After being hit by a bus while on foot, rare discussion of the aftermath including 6 months of recovery

In creating the Nashville Pedestrian Death Registry (planned release in 1-2 weeks), we had a lot of feedback about including 'near misses' where someone is struck but does not die.  Ultimately, we decided that it would increase the scope of the project to an untenable volume & therefore we held fast to deaths only in Nashville.  But our lack of inclusion in no way should be considered a down play of the severity of being hit by a car and surviving.  Some of the stories are truly horrific.

This woman's tale of recovery from being hit by a bus exemplifies why the term 'near miss' is indeed a euphemism.  She has a bright spirt about it but my goodness.  This is a horror story.  Crushed pelvis.  Six months later and still not walking.  It does exemplifies why these stories are so important - to not let them be a momentary media blip but rather a human interest story as lives are truly changed.  It is important to know the details to understand fully the details of the events so that Nashville can make changes.    

***

Nashville is very conflicted right now about pedestrian vs vehicle crashes.  The comments I have received range widely (see photos below) on a recent post about a grandmother who died after a hit-and-run (know a black car with front end damage?).  We have not reached a consensus.  Competing needs are duly noted.  

But, we do have laws.  I would argue that a really strong and clear message from the Mayor's office in needed NOW.  It is time for a blanket Public Service Announcement on pedestrian laws with a concurrent enforcement blitz to help drivers learn.  

Arguably, I have very mixed feelings about ticketing pedestrians.  If we had top notch infrastructure for pedestrians, I would feel entirely different.  When sidewalks on only 1/3 of our roadways, crossings ridiculously few and far between, wait times seeming unrealistically long - I understand the urge to jaywalk.     

 

Woman hit by MTA bus talks about recovery

Posted: Apr 14, 2017 4:22 PM CDTUpdated: Apr 14, 2017 7:40 PM CDT

Reported by Carley Gordon

CONNECT

Woman hit by MTA bus talks about recovery

 

Vicki Pillow is recovering after being hit and dragged by a bus. (WSMV)

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

A Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse employee was on her way to work. She had just gotten off an MTA bus in downtown Nashville when she was hit and dragged several feet.

Six months have passed. Vicki Pillow is now recovering from another surgery.

"It would be neat if you could take a step, wouldn't it?" said Solita Morris, Pillow's daughter.

Pillow hasn't been able to put weight on her new prosthetic yet. She had broken ribs, a lacerated liver and a crushed pelvis.

The MTA bus that hit her last October dragged her 165 feet before finally coming to a stop.

"I'm glad I don't remember it, and I don't want to see the traffic video," Pillow said.

Vicki was 64 at the time. She had just bought a new car, planned to retire after 30 years with the state and travel to the beach.

"That was going to be the beginning of the rest of her life," Morris said.

These days she's working on walking. Pillow would like to be able to use the restroom on her own and have some semblance of a normal life.

"Every time she’s stuck with a needle or rolled on her side, every scream and pain I have to hear from her is an emotional drain on me too," Morris said.

Pillow and Morris now live together, both an inspiration to the rest of us because, despite the hardships and financial burdens, they somehow manage to see the good in their current situation.

"I've seen a lot of miracles happen since that day," Morris said.

"It made us closer, much closer," Pillow said.

Before the crash, Morris and Pillow stayed busy. They said their relationship was strained. Now they want people to know that's one thing that's changed for the better.

"I would encourage them to treasure their relationships and to appreciate that time is very fragile and not promised to anyone," Morris said.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help Pillow and her family with expenses.

A spokesperson for MTA said, "Since it’s currently under litigation, we can't comment beyond saying that our thoughts and prayers continue to be with her during her recovery."

Copyright 2017 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

http://www.wsmv.com/story/35154976/woman-hit-by-mta-bus-talks-about-recovery