As bikers, we face many obstacles on the road. Driving defensively isn’t an option; it’s a necessity. I was recently sent a very interesting article published by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation about a frightening phenomenon called Motion Induced Blindness. As a biker and a motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve heard car drivers say time and time again that they simply did not see the motorcyclist when the accident occurred. Unfortunately, this may be true.

This phenomenon is linked back to pilot training, wherein they were taught not to fix their gaze for more than a few seconds. This “head on a swivel” technique was meant to prevent peripheral blindness, so they could spot other aircraft in the skies. Due to technological advances, pilots today no longer have to depend on the “head on a swivel” technique. However, it’s still a valuable technique to practice in other situations, such as driving.

A driver approaching at a high speed on a highway with a fixed gaze on the road straight ahead, will more than likely not see a motorcycle approaching from the side. In the same regard, if you are riding your motorcycle and you see a speeding car approaching, there’s a 90% chance that the driver doesn’t see you.

Click on the link for a demonstration http://www.msf-usa.org/motion.html.

Properly understanding how to drive defensively helps protect you from getting involved in a motorcycle accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Bob Karney – Carolinas’ Biker Lawyer. He’s been representing injured bikers for more than 30 years. Contact your North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer today – 704.577.9360 (cell) / 704.376.7982 (office) / 877.376.7982 (toll free in NC)