lbtv
3 HN recommenders · recommended in 5 months, 2018–2023
7:49 · 288K views · Dec 18, 2008
A motorcycle safety video on the SMIDSY (sorry mate, I didn't see you) accident, explaining the perception and optical illusion that makes drivers fail to see riders, and how riders can spot the signs and avoid it.
HN considers it an outstanding explanation of why drivers miss motorcycles and cyclists, linked in threads on visibility and junction crashes.
5 comments from Hacker News
There's a second factor at work beyond memory - it's the human visual perceptive system. Bikes are not always moving across the visual field, and they aren't fitting the pattern of a bigger single-color smooth object so it's effectively camouflage. This is an outstanding vid on the whole subject illustrating the problem and some avoidance methods. This should be taught in rider training but it's not (US). this video
This is also of high interest to motorcyclists who even have a name for the phenomena: SMIDSY (Sorry, Mate I Didn't See You). OP was focused on the A pillar and some other effects, while this excellent video goes a little further into some perception psychology about camouflage and how we perceive moving objects across backgrounds. You can ignore the motorcycle stuff but the explanation is enlightening. this video
Have you ever seen videos of how invisible you look despite all the high viz stuff? In some cases it becomes urban camo. Take a look at this video, especially at 2:30 or so. It’ll show you just how little visibility you’ll have: this video Your best bet is to have all your clothing match your bike, Power Rangers style, to increase your chances. And lots and lots of very bright lights. One little handlebar mounted light is going to look like a reflection or a flashlight.
>it's always "Sorry mate I didn't see you". Ah, the SMIDSY: this video That video covers the optical illusion that leads to it and what motorcycles can do.
Complimentary material about the SMIDSY problem (sorry, mate, I didn't see you) from someone else, including a visibility manoeuver f9 doesn't mention. this video