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Law enforcement agencies sponsor ‘Stop for Me’ campaign

NEW ULM — Last year in New Ulm, three vehicle/pedestrian accidents occurred within 45 days. Two of these accidents resulted in fatalities, while another person was seriously injured.

Local agencies in New Ulm and Brown County do not view these accidents as random, but the result of ongoing traffic problems. In an effort to be proactive, the New Ulm Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota State Patrol and TZD (Total Zero Death), Heart of New Ulm Project and Brown County Public Health and all partnering on a project called “Stop for Me.”

New Ulm Police Chief David Borchert said the focus of the program is on education, crash prevention, and pedestrian safety. The program begins this week with a series of initiatives.

Monday, May 6, volunteers will be marking sidewalks to provide additional awareness for pedestrians to be careful. Borchert said this will likely take the form of special signs.

Wednesday, May 8, volunteers will help students commute to school through the walking school bus. This walking school bus was started years ago and is offered annually. Law enforcement supports walking school buses as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of pedestrian safety.

Monday, May 13, the police department will begin their “Stop for Me” initiative. Borchert said this is the big event. Police will focus on enforcement of traffic laws from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Center and Jefferson.

Borchert said officers will specifically enforce the intersection for vehicles that fail to yield, speed, or practice distracted driving. This is only the first step of the program. Other intersections will be monitored on future dates.

Center and Jefferson is the first intersection to receive stepped-up enforcement because Center Street is difficult for a pedestrian to cross. Borchert said the four-lane roads of Center Street and Broadway are areas of concern. He said the police department cannot control the road design, but they can focus enforcement in high-risk areas.

A news conference will be held at 2 p.m. May 13 at the Law Enforcement Center prior to “Stop for Me” enforcement going into effect. Department staff will be available to answer questions at any time throughout the day.

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