The following tips are reprinted courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Foundation, msf-usa.org ©2017 Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
MSF Safety Tip #67: Target Fixation
Target fixation is when your overall focus (eyes and mind) narrows to one point to the exclusion of other sources of information. It was coined for the phenomenon of WWII fighter planes accidentally crashing into targets they were trying to destroy. They focused all of their attention on the target and flew right into it. This phenomenon can affect motorcyclists as well, and in some cases can be a primary cause of a crash.
The visual image of our environment is not what our eyes see at one moment, but is rather an assembly that our brains put together from many individual “snapshots.” Our central vision is where we collect the most accurate detail and is only a 3-degree cone at the center of our view. To have a useful “big picture,” our central vision must be directed to capture the important details; however, if our central vision becomes fixed on just one thing, our brain is no longer being fed enough relevant information to “see” the big picture.
Successful scanning strategies involve moving attention far-and-near and side-to-side to identify factors that can affect us, including glancing at the road surface and the rear-view mirrors. The more effectively we gather information as we ride, the better we can make decisions and take appropriate action. MSF calls this continuous process “SEE”: Search-Evaluate-Execute. If searching identifies a hazard, and evaluation determines the hazard that should be avoided and suggests various ways to avoid it, the concluding step is executing a correction. In a state of target fixation, the rider has gotten stuck somewhere in the process. Rather than evaluating the options and following through on an optimal solution, the rider continues to look at the hazard and rides right into it without corrective control input.
Further, moments of stress, especially when triggered by surprise or fear, can cause a reaction in our limbic system referred to as “fight, flight, or freeze.” The limbic system can override and interrupt the conscious thought process of good decision-making. Untrained, inexperienced, or careless riders may unintentionally let their gaze focus on one factor for too long. What was a manageable factor can become an imminent hazard if stared at, and rise to a threat level high enough to induce fear, which as mentioned above, can freeze one’s ability to respond properly.
To avoid target fixation, be proactive with your searching processes. Don’t rest your gaze; keep it moving. Assemble a 360-degree picture of your surroundings. Identify hazards early so that you can give yourself time to evaluate and respond, rather than trying to react at the last possible moment. Finally, practice your evasive maneuvers regularly so that you can execute braking or swerving maneuvers without hesitation in those moments where you might have a tendency to freeze.
