Building evacuations may look orderly, but that does not mean they are free of disorder and an atmosphere of fear. Picture having to evacuate a building in New York City, on the 17th anniversary of 9/11, because of a dropped beam from a crane.

Picture the effects of this accident near the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in which a chain reaction ensued with flashing lights and blaring horns; in which the Westside Highway was a parking lot filled with trucks, station wagons, and sedans, polluting the air with noise and particulate; in which a construction site was a sight for TV and print reporters to cover.

Picture, too, the alternative: the ability to see—and thus avoid—an accident-prone situation.

Picture a crane operator able to see everything he should see; everything he must see, thanks to cameras that increase safety by increasing visibility.

Picture the future made present.

View the entire story at ABC 7 at https://abc7ny.com/beam-accident-at-construction-site-causes-midtown-traffic-mess/4212123/