The article talks about stupidity, and these people are often marked as idiots. It is important to note that people follow patterns. Dazzled, scared, and panicking people even more so. I don't know what is the solution to this problem, but I bet the first step is to drop the labels, accept that this is how many reacts currently and design around that behaviour.
Take for example fire exits. We know masses have died meters from safety because they couldn't figure out to pull instead of push, or had the calm to handle a door knob. Did we blame their 'stupidity'? No, we mandated outward opening doors and push-to-open emergency latches.
Take for example fire exits. We know masses have died meters from safety because they couldn't figure out to pull instead of push, or had the calm to handle a door knob. Did we blame their 'stupidity'? No, we mandated outward opening doors and push-to-open emergency latches.