The human brain has trouble processing all of the information that it handles on a daily basis. As a result, it has to resort to filtering certain things out. It tries to identify what information is most important to you and what you actually need to know. What you expect to see plays a role, as you are more likely to notice it if you expect it than if you do not.
In daily life, this happens constantly and people are largely just unaware of all the information being filtered out. But it can create some massive risks when it comes to operating a motor vehicle. It leads to a condition called inattentional blindness, where the brain filters out information so a driver may overlook something critical – especially if it’s something they don’t expect.
Motorcycle accidents
Where this often turns up the most is when it comes to motorcycle crashes. A driver may be waiting to turn left. There are cars and trucks going by, and the driver is waiting for a gap in traffic. But they’re not expecting to see motorcycles, and they’re not looking for them.
In some cases, drivers will look directly at a motorcycle, but it won’t actually register. The rider may even feel like the driver is making direct eye contact with them. But then the driver will still execute their turn in front of the motorcycle, leading to a nearly unavoidable crash.
In many cases, these drivers will accuse the motorcycle rider of speeding, saying that the bike “came out of nowhere.” But the truth is simply that the bike was there the entire time and the driver didn’t see it.
Seeking compensation
Drivers need to be aware of their own limitations or they could cause accidents. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another driver, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.