Students at the Glascock County High School recently attended a Safe Driving Summit to learn about the dangers of distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving from real-world crash survivors to help the young drivers make better decisions that can save lives.
The summit – hosted by the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Lutzie 43 Foundation – was held last Thursday on August 29. It was first Safe Driving Summit of the 2024-2025 school year.
The Lutzie 43 Foundation was formed by Mike Lutzenkirchen after the death of his son, Philip, who was a backseat passenger in a distracted and impaired driving crash in 2014. Nicknamed “Lutzie,” Phillip wore the number 43 as a football player at Auburn University.
“We hope that these Safe Driving Summits continue to bring awareness to local communities throughout the state in hopes of lowering the number of crashes and fatalities happening on Georgia roadways,” said Sam Harris, Georgia DOT State Safety Engineering Manager. “Education and behavioral changes can lead to safer roads for all.”
Last week, Glascock County High School students were addressed Jacee Thomas, who survived a train vs. car collision at the age of 17. Jacee and her mother, Beth Ann, spoke about the 2016 crash and the lasting impact it has had on their family.
During the opening keynote, Dan Snipes, who represents the Georgia’s 12th Congressional District, also spoke to students alongside Georgia DOT Safety Specialists and Mike Lutzenkirchen of Lutzie 43.
The assembly was followed by smaller group breakout sessions where emergency first responders, local and state law enforcement officers, and emergency room trauma doctors and nurses shared their experiences with the consequences of distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving.
“These Safe Driving Summits share the importance of wearing a seat belt, following the posted speed limit, and taking personal responsibility for driving actions on the roads,” said Safety Engineering Manager Harris. “Of the over 1,600 people that died on Georgia’s roads last year, 62 percent were not wearing their seat belt.”
Georgia DOT began partnering with the Lutzie 43 Foundation in 2021, aiming to encourage and empower drivers to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship, and real-world application. GDOT helps The Lutzie 43 Foundation promotes their ’43 Key Seconds’ initiative, which is a tangible reminder for drivers to take 43 key seconds to ensure that they have their seat belts clicked with a clear head, clear hands, and clear eyes before starting a vehicle.
Glascock County students who attend the summit received 43 Key Seconds keys to serve as a physical reminder of the initiative. For more information, visit lutzie43.org.