Features of target fixation:
(1) A person becomes fixated on something (target, light, outcome, etc).
(2) Because the person is so focused on the object then she or he is unable to respond to a threat.
(3) The person should have been able to avoid the object.
When the behavior is related to a light then it may be referred to as the "moth effect".
Target fixation has been described in:
(1) flying
(2) motorcycle riding
(3) driving
(4) surfing
(5) business
Examples:
(1) A fighter pilot is so fixated on an enemy plane that the pilot does not notice another enemy plane.
(2) A person collides with something that the person is trying to avoid.
In the case of a light, there may be an element of becoming hypnotized. In the case of a fighter pilot the patient is not paying attention to possible risks from behind.
