In a shock report from scientists it would seem that heavier drivers may inadvertently be able to use their weight as part of their motoring law case.
Reported in the Daily Mail, tests have allegedly shown that a person weighing 23 stones will see an object as being twice as far away when compared with a person weighing only 9 stones.
Seemingly, the weight effect also applies to gradients as well as distances. Again, a heavier person will see a hill as being steeper than a less heavier person.
As part of the research scientists have stated that the difference in views comes from an inherited survival mechanism from our distant past. It is intended to help us evaluate a situation immediately rather then needing to spend time thinking about it.
Dr Jessica Witt, a Psychologist from Colorado State University said, “”Effort and performance influences perception.
“People who weigh more than others see distances as farther and hills as steeper, the idea being that if you have to carry this extra load that also impacts your perception.
“It is conscious perception of the world, but it’s not based on conscious perception of the body or feelings of laziness .. And yes, it cannot be controlled, it is out of your hands.
“You can’t will yourself to see that target as closer or that hill as less steep.”
In one study, Dr Witt questioned 66 people regarding a cone that was placed some 15 metres away and asked them to estimate the distance. Those who weighed 9 stones thought the cone was 15 metres away and those weighing 23 stones estimated that it was 30 metres away.
Heaviness, whether through body weight or a load being carried seemed to be the determining factor in judging the distance.
Dr Witt further stated, “If you find yourself out hiking with a heavy backpack, hills are going to look steeper, distances are going to look farther, gaps across a river are going to look longer.”
“It’s this idea that if you are going to have to make more effort to ascend that hill because you are carrying this heavy backpack, the hill is going to look different.
“You are not seeing that hill as it is. You are seeing the world in your ability to act. Your ability is declined because you are having to carry this rucksack.”
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Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
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