Cruel irony. You spend most of your career working
vigorously to improve work zone safety in the state of Michigan and across the
U.S. and it kills your friend and co-worker, and it nearly kills you.
On Aug. 9, 2002, Bill Hattan and Tanya Loewen, both
employees of International Road Dynamics were setting up equipment in a work zone
in Macomb County, Mich., when a motorist traveling at nearly 80 mph struck both
of them. Loewen was killed instantly and Hattan was critically injured.
Hattan's injuries were so severe he remained in a coma for six weeks.
After extensive recuperation, Hattan was released from the
hospital in late November and is still undergoing intense physical therapy
while recovering at home.
TM+E recently caught up with Hattan to discuss that
inconceivable day and to find out how his recovery
efforts have been progressing.
TM+E: First off,
it's good to know that you are back and feeling better. Many of the TM+E
readers--your peers within the transportation industry--are familiar
with your story and are interested to find out how you are doing these days.
How has the recovery been going?
Hattan: My recovery
has its ups and downs. I've learned that you take one day at a time. Overall
the doctors are very impressed with my recovery, and they tell me that I'm
their miracle patient.
TM+E: What do you
remember following the accident?
Hattan: After being
in a coma and just waking up, I remember opening my eyes and seeing a picture
of my two daughters hanging over my bed.
My wife who was at my bedside leaned over and said,
"You're OK, you've been in a terrible accident, and I love you!"
TM+E: You spent
quite a bit of time in intensive care following the accident. What went through
your mind during, and after, this period?
Hattan: The first
few days after waking up from my coma I thought I was going to die. I never
really slept at night because I was afraid.
The nurses in the Intensive Care Unit would spend countless
hours with me, consoling me and telling me that I was a fighter and things are
going to be OK.
One night in particular, I remember as being a night that if
I woke up the next morning I was going to make it. I really thought that on
that night I was going to die.
Well, I did wake up the next morning and I knew in my heart
and soul that I was going to get through this. I never looked back since that
night and I have been focused on my recovery since then.
TM+E: Do you know
what happened to the driver of the vehicle that was involved? Has that person
been prosecuted, sentenced to jail time, etc.?
Hattan: Stacey
Bettcher has and is playing the judicial system to this day. She entered a
guilty plea, but rescinded it because she thought that spending 29 to 59 months
in prison was too harsh of a sentence for murdering Tanya, and critically
injuring me.
She has decided to go to trial.
TM+E: Would you care
to comment on Tanya?
Hattan: Tanya was a
great person. She was scheduled to go back to Saskatchewan that next day. Tanya
is in my thoughts and prayers every day.
TM+E: Did this
accident have a profound effect on the way you view a road construction work
zone?
Hattan: I considered
myself a work zone safety advocate prior to the accident. I was involved in
many state and national committees that pursued work-zone safety. I always knew
the importance of a safe work zone, but experiencing an accident like this
makes it more personal.
TM+E: Following the
events of last summer, I imagine you've become an even bigger proponent of work
zone safety. Similarly, a number of transportation-related associations have
dedicated efforts to promote safety in road construction work zones. Have you
thought about making yourself available to discuss your experiences and
demonstrate the importance of work zone safety?
Hattan: Anything
that I can do to save a life I will do. The industry has to keep working
diligently in work-zone safety, and if I can contribute to that cause I owe it
to Tanya, myself and the whole industry.
TM+E: Has this
accident changed the way you look at life both personally and professionally?
Hattan: Absolutely,
our faith has strengthened and my goals have become more defined. You need to
live each day fully, and not rely on tomorrow. One split second can change your
life forever...I'm a living example of that.
TME
ANDY'S LAW
Two years ago, Bill Hattan testified in front of the
Michigan Legislature to help pass a law for stricter fines and/or punishment
for work zone-related accidents. The law passed unanimously and has become
known as "Andy's Law" named after Andrew Lefko, a 19-year-old who was
left paralyzed after being hit by a vehicle while working on I-275 in
metropolitan Detroit.
Andy's Law created penalties of up to one year in prison for
injuring and up to 15 years in prison for killing a highway construction or
maintenance worker. It also imposes a maximum penalty of $7,500.
One year after the law was enacted, the accident which
involved Hattan and his co-worker Tanya Loewen occurred.
Hattan's accident is the first case that is being prosecuted
under Andy's Law. And, as of press time, the American Civil Liberties Union is
challenging the charge saying the actions of Stacey Ann Bettcher, who was
arrested and accused of hitting Loewen and Hattan, did not involve a
"morally wrong mental state."
The prosecutor in the case believes a criminal state of mind
is not necessary for the law to apply.
Macomb County, Mich., Circuit Court Judge Edward A. Servitto
is expected to rule on whether Andy's Law will stand.
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