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The disproportionately high number of motorcycle-related traffic accidents may be linked to the way the human brain processes—or fails to process—information, according to new research published in Human Factors, "Allocating Attention to Detect Motorcycles: The Role of Inattentional Blindness." The study examines how the phenomenon of inattentional blindness, or a person's failure to notice an unexpected object located in plain sight, might explain the prevalence of looked-but-failed-to-see (LBFTS) crashes, the most common type of collision involving motorcycles.
According to human factors/ergonomics researchers Kristen Pammer, Stephanie Sabadas, and Stephanie Lentern, LBFTS crashes are particularly troublesome because, despite clear conditions and the lack of other hazards or distractions, drivers will look in the direction of the oncoming motorcycle - and in some cases appear to look directly at the motorcycle - but still pull out into its path.
The study authors suggest training drivers to be more alert for motorcycles.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by anubi on Saturday January 06 2018, @08:20AM (1 child)
Sounds like a good idea!
Just don't have em so bright they blind. Some of these new headlamps are so bright they leave other drivers temporarily blinded.
I carry a flashlight around with me when I walk at night, but will not aim it at a driver... that thing will blind someone. If I flat have to, I will rapidly flick it past them to get their attention... just to let them know I am there. You know.. someone idling at an intersection, and I am preparing to walk out in front of them. Or in their driveway idling - but not going anywhere. I know they are probably distracted with something else and may not even be aware I am there until they finish, quickly scan for cars, finding none, think everything is clear, then back right into ME!
( Yes, I have had a few close calls. Better get the driver's attention before walking out behind him! And the same has happened to me when I am driving... where did that guy come from?!?!? )
A lot of bicyclists around here set their headlamps to strobe. It draws attention. Speaking as a driver, I appreciate them making themselves more visible. I do not mind sharing the road. But if I do not know you are there, its really bad news for both of us.
I note around here parents are buying shoes for their kids with LED's in the soles. Some even have LED collars and bracelets on their kids. Even their dog has LED collars.
As a vehicle driver, I am thankful of the parents / kids / dogs being more identifiable as something I need to be aware of. The last thing in the world I want is to get involved in accidents.
No matter how hard I try, there is always something I'll miss. If I was that good, I would also avoid curbs and potholes. But from time to time I will nail one. Please oh please - not you or your loved ones. Its bad enough I hit potholes.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
(Score: 2) by Reziac on Sunday January 07 2018, @08:13PM
One of the problems with those little LEDs is that they're small. They may catch my eye, but in the dark, they're deceptive. Don't assume that the driver will judge correctly when he's expecting that tiny light to be a headlight far away.
And there is no Alkibiades to come back and save us from ourselves.