The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) and the Lutzie 43 Foundation will host the seventh Safe Driving Summit of the 2023-34 school year Thursday, Feb. 29 at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center, 2530 Mt Zion Pkwy, Jonesboro, GA 30236, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several hundred students from high schools across Clayton County are expected to attend. The program begins at 9:15 a.m. It is not open to the public, but the media are invited.
 
Students who attend tomorrow’s Safe Driving Summit will learn about the dangers of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving from real-world crash cases intended to help young drivers make better decisions that can save lives.
 
Lutzie 43 Foundation Executive Director Mike Lutzenkirchen started the Foundation after the death of his son, Philip, who was a passenger in a distracted and impaired driving crash in 2014. His number was 43 when he played football at Auburn University.
 
“We hope that the Safe Driving Summits will help lower the number of crashes and fatalities on Georgia roadways. We’re looking forward to hosting another Safe Driving Summit of 2024 to help educate the students about the dangers of unsafe driving. Education and behavioral changes can lead to safer roads for all,” said Sam Harris, Georgia DOT State Safety Engineering Manager.
 
Clayton County students will attend the opening assembly of the summit and will hear from State Transportation Board member Dana Lemon, who represents Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, as well as Georgia DOT safety specialists and Lutzenkirchen.

The assembly will be followed by smaller group breakout sessions featuring emergency first responders, local and state law enforcement officers, emergency room/trauma doctors and nurses and trucking industry members who will share their experiences around the consequences of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving.
 
“One of the main goals of the Safe Driving Summits is sharing the importance of wearing a seatbelt, following the posted speed limit and taking responsibility for driving actions on the roads. Of the 1,830 people that died on Georgia’s roads in 2022, 60% of victims were not wearing their seatbelt or usage couldn’t be determined,” Georgia DOT’s Harris said.
 
Participation in Safe Driving Summits continues Georgia DOT’s mission to educate drivers about simple changes that can improve safety and save lives. Georgia DOT launched its Drive Alert Arrive Alive safety campaign in 2015 to encourage drivers to buckle up, stay off the phone and drive without distractions.
 
Georgia DOT partnered with the Lutzie 43 Foundation in 2021. The Foundation aims to encourage and empower drivers to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship, and real-world application. Its 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative seeks to create the first nationally recognized symbol for distracted, impaired and unsafe driving awareness and prevention. It’s a tangible reminder for drivers to take 43 Key Seconds to ensure they have a clear head, clear hands, and clear eyes, and that they click their seatbelt before starting a vehicle. High school students who attend the summit will receive 43 Key Seconds keys provided by Georgia DOT and the Foundation. For more information, visit www.lutzie43.org.