Originally Posted By Graham, G4FUJ
There is one other, recently raised in the IAM journal - that of the brain's reaction to fast movement of eye/head.
It always pays when trying to exit a junction not to look rapidly from one direction to the other - the brain will fill in what it thinks is there, which may mask a vehicle/pushbike etc.
As an example, years ago, a GL1200 riding pal nearly pulled out into the side of an articulated trailer once, he didn't actually see it in front of him.
Don't know whether the article is on the IAM web site...

If I recall correctly at least some of this information came from the research at the University of Perth in Australia. It was mentioned as a reason why people look but still don't see an approaching motorcycle. I have tried, also on previous occasions, to find a reference to this research and I have not found it. I did however find an article on the subject which make very interesting reading.
http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/

Peter

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