A safe driving summit was recently conducted at Habersham Central High School by the Lutzie 43 Foundation. with first responders from Habersham County and other areas participating.
In the keynote address, Lutzie 43 Foundation Executive Director Mike Lutzenkirchen told the story of his son, former Auburn University football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, who lost his life in a single-vehicle crash caused by distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving.
Breakout sessions included:
• “Choices Behind the Wheel: A Glimpse into the Trauma Bay”, presented by Northeast Georgia Health System and Wellstar Trauma Network;
• “The Road t Recovery” presented by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; and
• “Knowing Your Law Enforcement Agencies: State, County, and City.
Outside, trucking professionals and the Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement allowed students to step inside an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer to experience a truck driver’s perspective. Presented by FedEx Freight, Walmart, and Georgia CVE, that session gave students a firsthand look at blind spots, stopping distances, and the challenges that professional drivers face.
In memory of Philip’s #43 football jersey at Auburn, the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative asks drivers and passengers to take 43 Key Seconds to prepare before every drive by having a:
• Clear Head – Ensure you have a clear head – one that is not affected by alcohol, drugs, emotions, or fatigue.
• Clear Hands – Ensure you have clear hands – send a text, adjust the radio, and put all devices away first so you can drive hands-free.
• Clear Eyes – Set your sights on the road ahead. Do not look to the side at a passenger or at your phone.
• Click It: Click your seatbelt. It’s the law and it could save your life!
(This information was prepared by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and is posted on its Facebook page.)