Target Fixation
Updated 2026-08-02
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Target fixation is a phenomenon in which a person under high arousal, typically a driver, cyclist, or motorcyclist, becomes locked on a hazard and steers into it rather than avoiding it. The effect arises because gaze direction guides steering, so the hands follow the eyes regardless of the operator's intention. The phenomenon is well documented in motorcycle safety research and in aviation accident analysis. Key qualification: the effect depends on stress and gaze, and it is countered by redirecting attention to the intended path rather than by trying harder to avoid the hazard.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Redirect the gaze: look at the path you want rather than at the obstacle you fear. - Name the hazard: acknowledge the risk explicitly, then deliberately move attention to the exit. - Practice under load: rehearse the redirection until it survives high-stress conditions.
Anchor fast decisions
Under stress, attention narrows and gaze locks onto the most salient threat. Because steering follows gaze, the body acts on the direction being looked at rather than on the intended direction, which produces movement toward the hazard. Effort and determination do not correct it, because the mechanism operates below deliberate control.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
account_treeGenealogyexpand_more
menu_bookReferencesexpand_more
Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_fixationverified
PRIVATE NOTES · Only visible to you
SAVED Q&A
ENTRY Q&A · Private saving available
Ask with a clear boundary
thinkingmodels answers from published entry context only.
Your question is sent to thinkingmodels. The answer uses public entry context only.
RELATED MODELS