Campaign part of state toward zero deaths effort

The Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office ticketed 94 motorists for speed during a stepped-up enforcement campaign in July.

The campaign, coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, is part of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths initiative.

“The fast-pace lifestyle we lead can get to all of us,” said Albert Lea police Lt. Jeff Strom. “However, life can take a drastic turn when speeding results in a serious injury or fatal crash. We urge everyone to drive the speed limit so you can get home to your family at the end of the day.”

According to a press release, Albert Lea Police Department officers and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office deputies working regular and overtime traffic patrols stopped 490 vehicles.

In addition to the speed citations, other violations were cited:

• Seven for seatbelt violation

• 24 for driving with an invalid or no license

• 16 for no motor vehicle insurance

• Five for failing to move into an alternate lane when passing emergency vehicles

• Four for driving under the influence

One stolen vehicle was recovered with one of the occupants being sought for identification to a previously reported shoplifting incident.

Of the 15 people arrested, one was wanted in connection with a robbery in a neighboring jurisdiction.

According to the release, speed was a contributing factor in two fatalities in Freeborn County from 2011 to 2013. It was a part of 244 traffic deaths statewide in the same timeframe.

Across the state, law enforcement gave out more than 16,000 citations.

The Department of Public Safety said more than 300 law enforcement agencies participated in the crackdown from July 10 to 26.

Officers from 21 agencies cited drivers for traveling 100 mph or more during the 17-day campaign. In Olmsted County, one driver was doing 135 mph in a 55 mph zone. In Carver County, a motorcyclist with a suspended license was traveling 106 mph in a 65 mph zone.

Safety officials say one motorist who was stopped was driving drunk at 100 mph in Dakota County.

Officials say illegal speeds contributed to 415 deaths on Minnesota roads in the last five years.

 

— The Associated Press contributed to this story.