[TARGET FIXATION] a term used to describe a person who becomes so focused on the object or hazard they are trying to avoid, that they inadvertently increase the risk of colliding with it.
When the brain focuses so intently on an object, other critical visual information is often overridden.
Narrowed focus, tunnel vision and decreased peripheral vision forces the driver to react to the hazard, rather than plan ahead and safely execute an exit strategy.
Frustratingly, the current Queensland Transport Hazard Perception Test fails to teach an inexperienced driver what to do or how to control their vehicle, when taking the steps in avoiding a hazard.
What it does, is encourages the driver to fixate solely on the hazard and assesses how quickly the 'operator' reacts.
This is a problem.
Learning preemptive visual methods, proactive actions and vehicle control is crucial in being able to avoid a collision.
Profiling other road users, reading their behaviours and predicting their next move can be the difference between a safe and calculated drive or a potentially dangerous and irreversible situation.
Don't be fooled into thinking that a Hazard Perception Test can give you the skills you need to survive on our roads.
Learn to steer yourself away from Target Fixation and unlock the value of driver tuition.