The Deadly Danger of Looking Too Closely

You are more likely to crash into an obstacle if you stare directly at it. This phenomenon happens because your hands subconsciously steer your vehicle toward wherever your eyes are focused.

Known as target fixation, this quirk of human psychology explains why pilots and drivers sometimes collide with the very thing they are trying to avoid. Your brain links your visual focus to your motor movements, meaning that if you lock your eyes on a hazard, you will steer right into it. To stay safe in high-speed situations, experts suggest keeping your eyes on the clear path ahead rather than the object you fear. It is a strange case where your focus ironically becomes your greatest enemy.