Admiral Tom Barrett, U.S. D.O.T. deputy secretary, will present the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Champion Award" in honor of Michigan's successful efforts to increase seat belt use, achieving the No. 1 spot in the country in 2008.

Last year, belt use rose to 97.2 percent, besting the other high belt-use states. At the same time, Michigan traffic deaths dropped 8 percent to 980, the lowest figure since 1925.

More than 300 law enforcement agencies from 55 counties will have additional officers on the road starting Monday through May 31. Motorists should notice nearly 700 safety belt enforcement zones as well as additional late-night traffic patrols where officers will have zero tolerance for unbuckled drivers. Because seat belt use falls sharply during late night/early morning hours, agencies are stepping up traffic patrols during these times to encourage high compliance both day and night.

The entire effort is coordinated by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), utilizing federal funds for traffic safety programs. Officers working the zones and nighttime patrols are working additional shifts, not being diverted from their regular duties.

"Despite these challenging budget times, public safety remains a priority," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. "This effort is about saving lives and is funded entirely through federal traffic safety dollars. It does not add extra strain to local or state budgets or manpower."

The following 55 counties will set up safety belt enforcement zones from May 18-31: Allegan, Alpena, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clinton, Delta, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Otsego, Ottawa, Saginaw, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.

Michigan law requires all drivers, front seat passengers and passengers 15 and younger in any seating position in the vehicle to be buckled up. Children must be in a car or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4'9" tall, whichever comes first.

For a list of planned enforcement zone and patrols, visit www.michigan.gov/ohsp.