The Lutzie 43 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to ending distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving, will present a Safe Driving Summit at Banks County High School on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The event brings together law enforcement officials, first responders, medical specialists, and commercial truck drivers to emphasize the life-altering repercussions of unsafe driving while equipping high school students with practical tools to make better decisions behind the wheel and as passengers. Since 2022, the Lutzie 43 Foundation has hosted more than 40 Safe Driving Summits, reaching tens of thousands of students across the Southeast.
The Safe Driving Summit begins with a keynote address from Executive Director Mike Lutzenkirchen, who shares the story of his son, Philip Lutzenkirchen. A former Auburn University football standout, Philip tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle crash caused by distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving.
"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."
Following the keynote, students will participate in interactive breakout sessions led by field professionals detailing the complete sequence of events after a severe crash:
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At the Scene: Emergency responders from the Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (Georgia CVE), Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Banks County Fire & EMS, and AirLife EMS demonstrate crash site procedures and emergency response operations.
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In the Trauma Bay: Trauma care specialists from Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Piedmont Athens Regional, and Wellstar Health System explain what happens when injured drivers or passengers arrive at emergency facilities.
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During Recovery: Rehabilitation providers from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta discuss the long-term physical toll and rehabilitation process following severe collisions.
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Commercial Vehicle Perspective: Presented by FedEx Freight and Georgia CVE, students will step inside an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer to experience a truck driver's point of view, gaining a firsthand understanding of blind spots, stopping distances, and roadway challenges.
Created in honor of Philip’s #43 football jersey at Auburn, the foundation’s 43 Key Seconds initiative asks drivers and passengers to take 43 seconds before every trip to check four critical safety points:
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Clear Head: Ensure you are not affected by alcohol, drugs, intense emotions, or fatigue.
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Clear Hands: Send texts, adjust settings, and put all mobile devices away so you can drive hands-free.
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Clear Eyes: Keep your focus fixed on the road ahead rather than turning to passengers or mobile screens.
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Click It: Fasten your seatbelt every time—it is required by law and saves lives.
Banks County High School administration highlighted the importance of bringing real-world driving awareness directly to students on campus.
“We are extremely excited to partner with the Lutzie 43 Foundation to bring safe driving awareness and applicable skills to the students,” says Will Foster, Principal of Banks County High School. “We at Banks County High School care deeply about our students’ safety on the roadways. We strive to be intentional with every moment we spend with our students, and I know the Lutzie 43 team takes this same approach when presenting to young people about safe driving and the repercussions of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel of a vehicle.”
Event Details
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Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Location: Banks County High School, 1486 Historic Homer Hwy., Homer, GA 30547
About the 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. Established in loving memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen following his death in 2014, the foundation’s motto is to "Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz and Learn from Lutz." For more information, visit www.lutzie43.org.
Official Press Release