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Our eyes designed to max out at our max speed (c. 20mph). After that point we start taking snapshots and our brain fills in the gaps based on assumptions.
Blimey!
I had no idea that the speed our eyes max out at, was as low as that.
JurekB-
There's that fighter pilot explanation somewhere. Will try dig out the pdf
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http://www.slobc.org/safety/documents/road-survival-guide.pdf
Definitely worth the read, or re-read.
pdlouche
I prob should have added the reasons being hit by a driver turning right, either into a side street or out of one is so common.
The reason given by most motorists is "I just didn't see them".
The thinking at the moment is this is explained by 2 factors.
1) expectations - ie less used to motor/bikes (if you have family/friends/neighbours who motor/cycle you'll be more likely to spot them, drivers in London are more aware, etc.)
2) visibility
a) profile. A small head-on profile is harder to see. Importantly for motorbikes it is hard to judge their speed*.
b) how we see. Our eyes designed to max out at our max speed (c. 20mph). After that point we start taking snapshots and our brain fills in the gaps based on assumptions.
c) general. As has been mentioned contrast is a big factor. So something like a hi-vis H-belt against black, rather than a large block of hi-vis.
*for motorbikes a good mitigation (other than the obvious) is moving road position. It increases the chances of a viewer spotting you because you are no longer where they expect you, so their brain double takes and thinks.