What is a major factor contributing to crowd disasters?

Poor crowd control measures are a significant factor contributing to crowd disasters because effective crowd management is essential in ensuring safety during large gatherings or events. When crowd control is inadequate, it can lead to panic, confusion, and the inability of emergency responders to effectively manage a situation. This may result in overcrowding in specific areas, making evacuation difficult and increasing the risk of trampling or other injuries.

Proper crowd control includes planned pathways for movement, trained personnel to monitor crowd behavior, and established protocols for emergencies. When these measures are not in place or poorly executed, it creates an environment where individuals may become trapped or unable to respond appropriately to a crisis, thus heightening the potential for a disaster.

In contrast, while improper signage, insufficient lighting, and limited seating capacity can contribute to a chaotic environment, they do not directly influence the management of crowd dynamics during an emergency. Poor crowd control measures address the fundamental aspect of how a crowd is supervised and directed, which is vital for safety.