Woman hit by car after Dallas race last year ready for victory lap today

When Mary Oliver puts one foot in front of the other at today's Dallas Running Club Half Marathon, she will be finishing the final stage of a yearlong journey.She will complete the 13.1 miles long after most runners. And she'll walk much of the course, only occasionally breaking into a short, downhill jog. But it will be a remarkable feat just the same.

One year ago, an uninsured and unlicensed motorist struck Oliver and two other runners as they walked to their cars after the race. The trio was left with major injuries and has spent the last 12 months rebuilding – both physically and emotionally.

Oliver, a single mother from Rowlett, suffered two broken legs, a broken arm and a fractured pelvis. She was immobilized for weeks and spent a couple of months in a wheelchair.

"I thought I would never run again," Oliver said.

But the months of pain and rehab have made her stronger, she said, and her explanation is a simple one.

The healing continues for Dallas Morning News editor Eric Nelson, 39, and Fort Worth attorney Jay Newton, 29. Both have titanium rods in their legs. Both have been cleared to ride their bikes and do low-impact cardio, but running on hard surfaces is still too painful.

"I feel the survivor syndrome," said Oliver, a Dallas Independent School District seventh-grade science teacher. "They're not at that point yet. I hope I give them encouragement. I may never do it again. This woman didn't destroy me."

Oliver's recovery has fueled Nelson.

"This is a great victory lap for Mary," he said. "Knowing that she is going to run makes me want to keep pushing forward and get to that starting line again."


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Police Will Tow Cars If You Drive With No Insurance

 Those who are driving in El Paso without insurance may not be cruising for long. Starting Nov. 1, El Paso police will be able to tow and impound someone’s car if they do not have insurance.
El Paso City Council members passed the ordinance in July and for the past few months, drivers were given time to get educated about the law.
“I think it’s a good thing, because you know a lot of people that don’t have insurance and they get into a car accident or something, we’ll you’re pretty screwed if they don’t have insurance, “ said George Chacon.
Police officers will have the ability to verify auto insurance, if drivers don’t have their cards present and their car will not be towed or impounded.
In July, El Paso City Council member Steve Ortega told KFOX the city cites about 50,000 people a year because they don’t have auto insurance.
Some El Pasoans said if people don’t have insurance, they should find an alternative way of getting around.
“Take the bus,” said Jaime Ruiz. “Honestly, I know it’s a little messed, a little harsh, but it’s the truth,” said Ruiz.


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