A two-week national safety belt mobilization that runs through Nov. 30 began this week.

Almost 500 Michigan law enforcement agencies at the state, county and local level will join thousands of agencies across the country to make seatbelt use a priority.

Special seatbelt enforcement zones will be set up in 20 Michigan counties, including Washtenaw County.

The number of enforcement zones — 217 — will double that of a pilot program in May.

Michigan State Police officials say that after the pilot program, seatbelt use in Michigan rose to an all-time high, nearly an 85 percent usage rate.

Enforcement zones will be strategically placed in areas where frequent crashes occur and seatbelt usage is low.

Enforcement zones will run from four to six hours.

Michigan’s mandatory seatbelt law requires the driver and front seat passengers to use a seatbelt.

All passengers 15 and under are required to use a seatbelt. Children younger than 4 years old must be in an approved child safety seat.