Madison County High School students who attend an upcoming Safe Driving Summit will learn about the dangers of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving from real-world crash and survivor cases intended to help young drivers make better decisions that can save lives.
 
The summit will be held March 28 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the high school, 600 Madison Street in Danielsville. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. It is not open to the public, but the media are invited.
 
A total of 14 Safe Driving Summits have been held around the state by Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) and the Lutzie 43 Foundation reaching more than 5,000 students to date. 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.
 
“The goal is to continue to host these Safe Driving Summits to decrease the number of crashes and fatalities on Georgia roadways. We’re looking forward to hosting this Safe Driving Summit at Madison County High School to further educate the students about the dangers of unsafe driving decisions while behind the wheel or while riding as a passenger in a vehicle. Education and behavioral changes can lead to safer roads for all,” said Sam Harris, Georgia DOT State Safety Engineering Manager.
 
The nearly 1,500 Madison County High School students expected to attend the opening keynote of the summit will hear from Georgia DOT safety specialists and Lutzenkirchen. Jacee Thomas, who survived a crash that occurred when the vehicle she was driving was struck by a train when she was 17, will also take the stage. Jacee and her mother, Beth Ann Thomas, will talk about Jacee’s ongoing recovery after the 2016 crash and the impact it has had on their family.

The all-school assembly will be followed by smaller group breakout sessions for about 350 students. Emergency first responders, local and state law enforcement officers, emergency room/trauma doctors and nurses and trucking industry members will share their experiences with 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 1,663 people that died on Georgia’s roads in 2023, 61% 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. Madison County 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.