The Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office ticketed 42 motorists for speeding in July during a statewide enforcement campaign.

More than 300 law enforcement agencies across the state participated in the campaign, which was coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.

“We’ve all been there — in a hurry to get to work, pick up our kids or make that sporting event on time,” said Albert Lea Police Lt. Jeff Strom in a news release. “However, if speeding to those destinations causes you to get into a fatal crash, time will no longer matter.”

He encouraged people to make safety their No. 1 priority when driving.

The news release stated local law enforcement stopped 366 motorists for a variety of violations during the enforcement. One vehicle was stopped for reportedly driving 93 mph and was also found to have a felony amount of marijuana. Its driver had a revoked license, and the driver and passenger in that case gave a false name to the deputy.

In addition, police cited the following violations:

• 26 for no driver’s license or having a withdrawn license

• 12 for no insurance

• One for driving under the influence

• Three for seat belt violations

• Five for drugs

According to the release, about 81 people die each year across the state from crashes attributed to speeding.

Speed was a contributing factor in one fatality in Freeborn County and 407 traffic deaths statewide from 2012 through 2014. The release stated speed was a contributing factor in seven serious injuries in the county during the same span.

The extra speed enforcement is part of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program.