The Summit brings law enforcement, first responders and commercial truck drivers to campus to emphasize the repercussions of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving

ATLANTA, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Lutzie 43 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to ending distracted, impaired and unsafe driving, will present a Safe Driving Summit at Crisp County High School on Thursday, August 27. Students from Crisp Academy will also attend the event, which seeks to curb roadway incidents by educating high school students about the dangers of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving, and providing them with tools to make better decisions behind the wheel and in the car. Since 2022, Lutzie 43 has presented 40+ Safe Driving Summits, reaching tens of thousands of students across the Southeast, and is proud to bring one to Crisp County students for a second time, the first time being in March 2025.

The Safe Driving Summit begins with a keynote address from Executive Director Mike Lutzenkirchen who shares the story of his son, former Auburn University football standout Philip Lutzenkirchen, who tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle crash caused by distracted, impaired and unsafe driving, and is followed by a series of breakout sessions led by first responders, trauma care and rehab specialists, law enforcement officials and trucking industry professionals.

“Educating and reinforcing safe driving behaviors is one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve road safety, and students new to driving are the perfect audience to adopt the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative,” says Mike Lutzenkirchen. “Hearing Philip’s story, then learning what happens during and after a crash from our law enforcement, trucking and healthcare partners, provides them an eye-opening experience.”

During the Safe Driving Summit, students will learn what happens after a crash: at the scene from first responders representing the Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (Georgia CVE), Crisp County Sherrif’s Office and Cordele Police Department, in the trauma bay with specialists from Crisp Regional Hospital Trauma and Wellstar Trauma Network and during recovery with rehabilitation providers from Crisp Regional Hospital. Students will also step inside an 80,000-pound tractor trailer to experience a truck driver’s perspective. Presented by FedEx Freight, Walmart and Georgia CVE, this session gives them a firsthand look at blind spots, stopping distances and the challenges that professional drivers face.

The Lutzenkirchen family created the Lutzie 43 Foundation and its 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative to carry on Philip’s legacy. In memory of Philip’s #43 football jersey at Auburn, the 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 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: Finally, click your seatbelt. It’s the law and could save your life!

“Crisp County High School is honored to partner with the Lutzie 43 Foundation to bring the foundation’s Safe Driving Summit to our campus for the second time. The previous Summit was an incredibly enlightening experience for our students, bringing true exposure and applicable knowledge of prevention efforts to their daily lives,” says Sandra Hughes, Assistant Principal, Crisp County High School. “The 43 Key Second safe driving initiative is a brilliant reminder for all students to stay alert and responsive while operating any vehicle, anytime and anywhere.”

The Safe Driving Summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, at Crisp County High School, 2402 Cougar Alley, Cordele, GA 31015.

ABOUT LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION:

The Lutzie 43 Foundation aims to encourage and empower people to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship and real-world application. The Lutzie 43 Foundation was established in loving memory of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, shortly after he lost his life in a car accident in 2014. In his memory, the foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative aims to create the first nationally recognized symbol for distracted, impaired and unsafe driving awareness and prevention. The foundation’s motto for all is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz and Learn from Lutz,” reflecting its desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed while learning from the circumstances that led to his death. For more information, visit www.lutzie43.org.

ABOUT CRISP COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

The mission of Crisp County High School is to produce college and career ready individuals with the ability and desire to succeed in and positively contribute to our ever-changing community and global society. Our vision is to develop lifelong learners, productive citizens, and strong community leaders with good work ethics and character. Our purpose is to equip our students with academic tools, life skills, and strength of character. More information can be found online at cchs.crispschools.org.

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SOURCE Lutzie 43 Foundation