Lack of Motion Blindness

[Arnie]

Below was sent to me today.  I thought it interesting enough to pass on.
While on the MSF site, after observing this "Lack of motion Induced Blindness"  you may want to take a look at some of their literature on the Library page.


Cheers,
Arnie

Lack of motion Induced Blindness

The link below takes you to a great illustration of what we were  taught about scanning outside the cockpit when I went through training back in  the '50s.  We were told to scan the horizon for a short distance, stop  momentarily, and repeat the process.  I can remember being told why this was  the most effective technique to locate other aircraft.  It was emphasized  repeatedly to not fix your gaze for more than a couple of seconds on any  single object.  The instructors, some of whom were WWII veterans with years of  experience, instructed us to continually "keep our eyes moving and our head on  a swivel" because this was the best way to survive, not only in combat, but  from peacetime hazards (like a midair collision) as well.

We basically  had to take the advice on faith (until we could experience for ourselves)  because the technology to demonstrate it didn't exist at that time.

http://www.msf-usa.org/motion.html

[racerman_27410]

thanks for posting that Arnie.

very interesting and goes right along with everything we've learned about target fixation.


KOokaloo!

[FJ Flyer]

Was taught the same thing during flight training in '89.  Short scans, stopping momentarily to detect any motion, then move on to the next spot, to detect any aircraft in the vicinity.  Basic to the 'see and avoid' exercise while flying VFR.  Never really thought about it while riding, but now that I have, I realize I do it all the time.  Of course, riding in DC rush hour traffic dictates having looking everywhere all the time. 

[markmartin]

Excellent link Arnie, I just showed my wife and daughters.  Great defensive driving lesson for all of us!

Not as good a demonstation, but along the same train of thought: Watch the clip to the end...

selective attention test