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 Signs warn pedestrians of the dangers of crossing the Moscow-Pullman Highway. Assistant Professor of Psychology and Communication Studies Benjamin K. Barton says that the problem should be looked at from a psychological standpoint. Jake Barber/Argonaut
When Benjamin Barton, an associate professor in the psychology department, first heard of a University of Idaho student being hit on the Moscow-Pullman highway, his reaction was to see how he could help.
“I got in contact with the Moscow Police Department and just tried to learn what I could about it,” Barton said. “I don’t know all the details yet, but I realize it’s not if we’ll have another incident, it’s when.”
Barton is one of more than 77 new faculty and staff members hired during the summer. He describes himself as a developmental psychologist who works mostly with children and studies safety.
“Injury research as a whole looks at the psychological factors of the individual and the context surrounding them,” Barton said.
On Sept. 22, James Hazelton, a UI student was hit by a car while crossing the Moscow-Pullman Highway by the Stinker Station.
Hazelton was in the crosswalk when John Hunt, 85, of Pullman, struck him head on with his Dodge Intrepid. Hunt didn’t see him in the crosswalk, so the collision occurred at full speed.
“I don’t use the word accident,” Barton said. “I say unintentional injury. An accident implies some sort of randomness, but research shows that most incidents can be prevented.”
According to Barton, having all pedestrian traffic funneled between the highways three crosswalks, combined with the flashing lights and flags, creates a false sense of security resulting in reckless pedestrians.
“When people feel like they’re protected, it can lower their sense of awareness,” he said. “A lot of factors go into this, but generally speaking people figure ‘I’m the pedestrian, you should see me … stop.’”
City council member Tom Lamar has been on the transportation committee for nine years and said the flags, crosswalk and flashing lights were in response to previous accidents and he questions the quality of Idaho’s drivers’ education training.
“Any time two roads come together it’s a legal crosswalk whether or not there’s striping,” Lamar said. “People should be properly educated before they hit the road and that way they’ll be better prepared.”
In addition to training drivers, Lamar said pedestrians need to be made aware having the right of way doesn’t dismiss personal responsibility. He said certain issues could be avoided through good communication between pedestrians and drivers.
“Crossing with intent instead of crossing aimlessly makes a big difference,” he said.
Barton said he doesn’t believe the problem can be solved through traditional education methods. He said prevention of injury through knowledge is typically an ineffective strategy and considering the average age of pedestrians, behavioral training might wield better results.
“If I just handed you a pamphlet, that would qualify as passive prevention,” Barton said. “Active prevention targets behavioral change, but I’m not sure how you’d go about doing it.”
Outside of physically walking students across the street, Barton said he’s unsure of how to effectively train the community. However, he said the city council should consider a psychological viewpoint in analyzing the problem.
“It’s like a child on bike,” Barton said. “Give the child a helmet and they’ll do things they’d probably avoid if they didn’t have it.”
Lamar said the council will continue to look at options to improve safety.
Les McDonald, the public works director, said a variety of road improvements are being investigated for Moscow in the next few years. However, regarding the highway, he said it’s important to maintain the feasibility of projects in perspective.
“A lot of folks bring up an overhead crossway but that’s pretty difficult,” McDonald said. “You have to get clearance with the existing businesses and it’s not just our responsibility — it would be a collaboration between the city and the state. We have no plans in mind.”
Barton said he hopes any efforts would also include UI and the resources of its community.
“A lot of people think of research as some ivory tower of academia,” he said. “Real research means being in the field and doing what you can to help the world around you.”
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