For the third time in the past month and a half, a pedestrian crossing a street in New Ulm has been hit by a car. This accident happened at First North and Garden Street near Harman Park at about 7:28 a.m. Tuesday. Paulette Schmeling was struck as she walked along North Garden Street, and suffered severe injuries. She is being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center.

The first two accidents were along Broadway, and both victims died from their injuries.

This is happening far too often. It is essential that motorists be aware of pedestrians, especially in the early morning hours when it may still be dark, or the sun may be shining at a low angle in their eyes. State law says you must stop to let pedestrians cross.

Pedestrians, too, must be careful about when they cross streets. Yes, state traffic law gives pedestrians the right of way when they are in a crosswalk, but that won’t protect you if the oncoming driver is distracted or can’t see you.

A good suggestion is for pedestrians is to try to make eye contact with the driver, to make sure you are seen before starting to crosss. Please be safe.