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Target fixation is a phenomenon where a rider becomes so focused on an object or hazard that they inadvertently steer directly into it. It’s a common issue, and while it may seem minor—like hitting a pothole you were trying to avoid—it can have severe consequences in critical situations.
Imagine fixating on a car pulling out into the road, a child running toward the street, or a tree on the edge of a curve. In these cases, target fixation can turn a manageable scenario into a catastrophic crash. Let’s break down what target fixation is, why it happens, and how to avoid it.
What is Target Fixation?
Target fixation occurs when your eyes lock onto an object, and your motorcycle follows your line of sight. This is a natural response, but it becomes dangerous when the object is a hazard you’re trying to avoid.
Have you ever tried to swerve around a pothole, only to hit it head-on? That’s target fixation. It’s a subtle warning that your focus can betray you. When the stakes are higher—like avoiding a car or navigating a sharp turn—target fixation can lead to serious accidents.
Here are five actionable tips to overcome target fixation and stay safe on the road.
Look Where You Want to Go
The simplest yet most critical rule is to look where you want to go. Your motorcycle will naturally follow your head and eyes, so if you focus on the hazard, you’re likely to hit it.
- In Curves: Always look through the curve, keeping your head and eyes pointed toward the exit. I like to call this “pointing your nose where you want the motorcycle to go.”
- On Straight Roads: Look far up the road, not at the car directly in front of you. Position yourself to have a clear line of sight to anticipate hazards early.
Constantly remind yourself to focus on your intended path, not the obstacles along the way.
Use Your Peripheral Vision
Your peripheral vision is an invaluable tool for avoiding target fixation. Practice using it to monitor hazards without directly focusing on them.
- In a Parking Lot: Set up cones and practice swerving around them. Focus on your escape route while keeping the cones in your peripheral vision.
- On the Road: If you see a pothole, focus on your intended path of travel and use your peripheral vision to keep track of the hazard.
A great drill is to stop your motorcycle next to a cone without looking directly at it. Keeping your head and eyes up, use peripheral vision to gauge the cone’s position relative to your front tire.
Relax Your Grip
Your ability to avoid hazards isn’t just about where you’re looking—it’s also about how you’re holding the handlebars. A tight grip on the handlebars, tense shoulders, and stiff arms can reduce your ability to steer effectively.
Periodically check your posture while riding. Relax your shoulders and maintain a light grip on the handlebars. A quick way to test this is the “chicken flap”—see if you can move your elbows freely without resistance. Staying loose allows for better control and quicker reactions.
Practice Emergency Maneuvers
The most significant reason riders struggle to avoid hazards is a lack of practice. Emergency braking, swerving, stopping in a curve, and brake-and-escape maneuvers are critical skills that need to be practiced regularly.
The MCrider Field Guide offers exercises designed to develop these skills. Without regular training, these techniques won’t be second nature when you need them most. Make time to practice, so you’re ready to act effectively in real-world situations.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
Staying calm in high-stakes moments can make all the difference. Some people are naturally more composed under pressure, but even the most anxious rider can develop calmness through preparation and training.
Think about professional quarterbacks. They maintain focus and deliver under pressure because they’ve practiced their plays thousands of times. They know exactly what to do in every scenario because they’ve seen it before in practice.
As riders, we face the same challenge. When a critical moment arises, we either know how to respond because we’ve trained for it, or we freeze because we haven’t. Riding without practice is like being a backup quarterback thrown into a championship game without ever running the plays—it’s a recipe for disaster.
Training builds confidence, sharpens skills, and keeps you calm when the stakes are high.
Why Training Matters
The consequences of target fixation and poor technique on a motorcycle are far greater than losing a game—they can be life-altering. To overcome target fixation, you need to commit to ongoing training and practice.
Developing muscle memory for emergency maneuvers, practicing peripheral vision drills, and reinforcing good habits like relaxed riding and proper focus can save your life.
If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, explore the training resources at MCrider.com/Member. With the right training, you can ride with confidence, avoid target fixation, and stay safe on the road.
Till next week, ride smart and stay sharp!
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Braking Tips
Entry Speed
Head & Eyes
Slow – Look – Press – Roll
Trail Braking
Following Distance
Police Skills
Riding Under the Influence
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Below is some gear that I ride with on a daily basis…if you are in the need of good riding gear, the products below have worked well for me.
KLIM Jacket – https://www.MCrider.com/KLIM
Shoei Motorcycle Helmets – https://www.MCrider.com/Shoei
Windshirt/Jacket Liner – https://www.MCrider.com/Liner
Lee Park Sumo Gloves – https://www.MCrider.com/LeeParks
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