Target Fixation

Target fixation is a dangerous phenomenon in motorsport where a driver or rider becomes so intensely focused on an object or hazard that they unintentionally steer directly toward it, even when trying to avoid it.

This attentional problem occurs most commonly in high-speed situations involving motorcycles, race cars, and other performance vehicles. The basic principle behind target fixation is simple: where your eyes go, your vehicle follows. When a driver locks their vision onto a specific object—whether it's a wall, another vehicle, or debris on the track—their hands and body naturally guide the vehicle toward that exact point.

Target fixation typically happens during moments of panic or stress. When confronted with a sudden hazard, the natural human instinct is to look directly at the threatening object. This creates a tunnel vision effect where the driver loses awareness of potential escape routes and alternative paths. Instead of scanning for a safe way around the obstacle, they fixate on the danger itself.

In motorcycle racing and riding, target fixation is particularly common in corners. A rider who enters a turn too fast might panic and fixate on a guardrail or the edge of the track. Despite having the skill and space to navigate through the corner safely, the rider steers directly into the obstacle they're staring at. Similarly, a motorcyclist might fixate on a pothole in the road and ride straight into it, even though there was plenty of room to go around.

Race car drivers experience target fixation too. A common scenario involves a driver fixating on a crashed or spinning car on the track. Rather than looking for the open space around the incident, the driver's eyes lock onto the disabled vehicle, and they collide with it despite having room to pass safely.

This phenomenon is related to the body's fight-or-flight response. Under extreme stress, the brain can essentially freeze, focusing entirely on the perceived threat rather than seeking solutions. It's an involuntary reaction that requires conscious training to overcome.

Preventing target fixation requires developing proper visual habits. The most important technique is to look where you want to go, not at what you want to avoid. Experienced riders and drivers train themselves to focus on their intended path and use their peripheral vision to monitor hazards. They practice scanning the environment continuously rather than staring at any single point.

Motorsport instructors often teach the concept of "see everything, look at nothing," meaning drivers should maintain broad awareness without fixating on individual objects. Building confidence in your skills and equipment also helps, as target fixation often stems from panic and self-doubt. With proper training and conscious effort, drivers can learn to break the target fixation habit and maintain control even in dangerous situations.