Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Motion induced blindness

This test is said to demonstrate how movement can generate blindness in peripheral vision. So car drivers at traffic lights may fail to see an approaching cyclist unless they actually check before moving off. Peripheral vision isn't reliable.

To check that the yellow spots are really permanent, focus on one.


Sam Vega said...

Blimey, that's serious!

I wonder whether all movement does it or just the regular movement of the circling bits. If the former, bad news for cyclists like me. Best to keep bright lights on, and wear conspicuous clothing.

I wonder whether the dots would be more visible if they flashed or were different colours? Again, self preservation motivates the question...

A K Haart said...

Sam - my guess is that only flashing would work because you have to attract attention to get out of a driver's peripheral vision and into direct vision.

What surprised me was how close the yellow dots are to the centre. In other words you might be nearby and still unseen.