October 20-26 marks National Teen Driver Safety Week, which is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). During this week, organizations such as Lutzie 43, National Safety Council and highway patrol units demonstrate their dedication to promoting safe teen driving.

We’re excited to be a part of this initiative. National Teen Driver Safety Week provides a great opportunity for the Lutzie 43 Foundation to spread awareness of our 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative, while positioning ourselves as one of the leading voices for change in this area.

In honor of this week, we recently gave away free talks from Mike to two high schools. Mike’s talk is created to engage teens and promote positive character development and influence good choices and safe driving. 

The Lutzie 43 Foundation will also be engaging in a Twitter discussion with the National Safety Council and several other organizations promoting safe driving. Be sure to tune in Thursday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m. CST to follow along in the Twitter discussion. 

New here? Let us tell you a bit more about who we are and what we do.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation established our 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative in memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen, who lost his life as a passenger in a car accident that involved impaired and distracted driving. While he wasn’t the driver, he had also been drinking and chose not to wear his seatbelt.

Philip was a loving brother, son, and friend whose football career at Auburn University allowed him to create a platform for change, which the Lutzie 43 Foundation carries out today.

We are here because Philip’s story is not isolated — in fact, eleven people die every day as a result of distracted driving, and even more from impaired driving.

Few people know the facts. For example, not many people realize that the amount of time it takes you to look down at a text is equivalent to you driving the distance of a football field blindfolded. Our 43 Key Seconds initiative is working to bring awareness to the dangers and true facts that surround distracted and impaired driving.

How can you get involved in making a meaningful change during National Teen Driver Safety Week?

Most importantly, talk to your teenagers about safe driving habits and practice safe driving to set an example for your teens!

We encourage teens to sign our 43 Key Seconds Safe Driving Pledge. Pledge to not take part in distracted driving, to stop and prioritize safety before starting the car, and to not allow devices, emotions, fatigue, drugs or alcohol to endanger your life or the lives of others on the road.

Additionally, we hope that you’ll purchase a 43 Key Seconds key for yourself, your family and friends. The physical 43 Key Seconds key serves as a reminder for drivers to stop and prioritize safety when they get in the car. Whether or not they have heard of Philip or our foundation, the key is a recognizable symbol representing distracted and impaired driving awareness and prevention.

Thanks for your support. We’re excited for what is in store for this week!