Why can't blindfolded humans walk a straight line?

[Mr.D]

Does anyone know if people born blind are actually better at this?

(Without having seen the episode) I'd suggest that they should have done a set of tests with blindfolds but without earmuffs.

Also probably a big open warehouse or hangar with a flat surface.

 

[Myriad]

A lot of cues besides vision can be used for maintaining a consistent direction while moving, but all of those (even including vision e.g. in the woods) benefit from training or practice.

For instance, if you're lost in a blizzard, and you think the wind is "swirling" around you "in all directions," most likely the wind direction is fairly steady and you're going in circles. If you're searching for the edge of a reasonably bounded space (such as a field bounded by roads or fences), keeping a constant angle to the wind is a better strategy. Going directly upwind might be the best choice, if you can do it, because most likely you got off track in the first place by turning away from the wind.

Respectfully,
Myriad

 

[Travis]

They tested that too. Adam couldn't stay straight, having no training or experience. Jamie made a nearly flawless line to the target.

We tried that once in Boy Scouts. I was dropped off in woods I was unfamiliar with and no map. And then I had to try and get back to another location. I sort of wandered in a wobbly line but found my way back in pretty good time.