The Problem with Drivers and Motorcyclists on the Road. Can Low Visibility Be a Threat?
When you are behind the wheel, you need to process a lot of information. Street signs, other vehicles, pedestrians, speed, fuel levels, and more. However, it is not always easy for a driver to successfully process everything, particularly if adverse weather conditions, poorly lit roads and other distractions fall into place.
According to recent statistics, there is a frighteningly high number of traffic accidents related to motorcycles. This might be linked directly to how the human brain works. A little-known phenomenon dubbed “inattentional blindness” might be the culprit, causing people to overlook unexpected items, even when they should be obvious to notice. There is a famous viral video on the internet called “Selection Attention Test” which begins with a caption, asking the reader to observe a basketball team practicing. The caption tells the viewer to count how many times the ball will be tossed from person to person by the players wearing white. At the end of the short video, most viewers would have determined the amount of ball passes correctly. However, they would have missed out on a crucial detail: a person dressed in a bear or a gorilla costume was walking or dancing all around the court! Many of the viewers would not notice the dancing bear or gorilla at all.
The same principle, “inattentional blindness” might be applied to many road accidents. Our brain might fail to process things we just do not expect to be there, like a dancing bear in the middle of a basketball game, or a sudden motorcycle creeping up behind a curve at a high speed!
Being more aware of motorcycles on the road could be a great step forward. Awareness campaigns have indeed been suggested to sensitize drivers to this issue.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Going to trial is not something we are afraid of. We feel it is important that we take the steps that are right for you, whether that means resolving your case through settlement negotiations or fighting for your needs in court. All motorcycle accident cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we are successful.
In addition to handling motorcycle and fatal accident claims, our Motorcycle Accident attorneys are available to stand beside you in all other motor vehicle accident cases.
Contact Hilton & Somer, LLC at 703-560-0700 to discuss how we can help.
References for “The problem with drivers and motorcyclists on the road. Can low visibility be a threat?”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180105082243.htm
