Distracted and impaired driving behaviors are dangerous, potentially life threatening - and preventable.
Every 50 minutes, someone dies in the United States due to drunk driving, according to the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration reported that, in 2017 over 3,100 people died in collisions caused by distracted driving.
The Lutzie43 Foundation’s mission is to educate and empower young people to make better decisions as drivers and friends. Founded in 2014 and established in memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen, who died in a single-car accident in Troup County at the age of 23.
Lutzie, as he was known by his friends was a former All-American football player at Lassiter High School and was the all-time leading receiver in touchdowns among tight ends at Auburn . He was involved in his Georgia and Alabama communities mentoring children with cancer and special needs.
In the early morning hours of June 29, 2014, he made a series of bad decisions – drinking, getting into a car driven by a drunk driver and not clicking his seatbelt.
“I am adamant about sharing the things that took his life,” said Mike Lutzenkirchen, Philip’s father and executive director of the Lutzie43 Foundation, hoping young people make better decisions after hearing his story.
The foundation’s primary initiative, 43 Key Seconds, is a safe-driving checklist. A plastic key attached to a lanyard with Lutzie43’s logo, can be hung on the rearview mirror and act as a reminder to take 43 seconds before starting your car to determine:
CLEAR HEAD – make sure you are not affected by alcohol, drugs, emotions or fatigue
CLEAR HANDS – put down all devices, drinks and food
CLEAR EYES – look at the road, not at your passengers or text messages
CLICK IT - fasten your seatbelt and make sure your passengers are clicked in as well
For more information, visit https://lutzie43.org/.
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