#United States #Alpharetta #safe driving #Lutzie 43 Foundation #Alpharetta High School

Lutzie 43 Foundation Launches First 43 Key Seconds Campus

In a significant initiative to promote safer driving habits among young students, the Lutzie 43 Foundation has officially recognized Alpharetta High School in Georgia as the inaugural 43 Key Seconds Campus. This recognition comes as part of a broader effort by the foundation to educate students about the dangers of distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving practices.

On January 29, 2026, the Lutzie 43 Foundation, alongside school officials from Alpharetta High, hosted a comprehensive Safe Driving Summit that aimed to enlighten high school students on the serious, often life-altering consequences of reckless driving. Principal Mike Scheifflee expressed the profound impact the event had on students, illuminating real stories and insights during the assembly that underscored the necessity of making safe driving choices.

Educational Initiatives and Real-Life Impact

The Safe Driving Summits are not just presentations but transformational experiences. They include powerful accounts from public safety officials, first responders, and healthcare professionals who have encountered the results of unsafe driving behaviors. Central to these summits is a keynote address by Mike Lutzenkirchen, the Executive Director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, who shares a deeply personal story about his son, Philip, who tragically lost his life due to a distracted driving incident in 2014. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost associated with unsafe driving.

As part of the initiative, students are encouraged to take the 43 Key Seconds pledge, committing to prioritize a clear head, clear eyes, and ensuring their seatbelt is fastened every time they drive. This pledge aims to instill a sense of responsibility among the students, helping them understand the importance of their choices behind the wheel.

Community Engagement and Future Steps

Principal Scheifflee expressed his full support for adopting these vital educational programs, emphasizing their necessity for any school concerned about student safety and character development. Following the summit, work began on implementing the 43 Key Seconds checklist throughout Alpharetta High School. This involved installing visual reminders across the campus and integrating ongoing messaging about the importance of safe driving into the school's communication strategy.

“We are thrilled to recognize Alpharetta High School as our first 43 Key Seconds campus,” said Lutzenkirchen. He emphasized that the initiative encourages schools to do three key things: host a Safe Driving Summit, install signage around their premises reminding everyone of the 43 Key Seconds commitment, and create a consistent plan for distributing educational materials about avoiding distracted driving.

Since the initiation of the program in 2022, the Lutzie 43 Foundation has organized a total of 33 Safe Driving Summits, reaching over 80 high schools and more than 23,600 students. The foundation continues to strive for a future where all young drivers are fully aware of the risks involved in distracted and unsafe driving, working towards a tangible change in driving culture across the nation.

About the Lutzie 43 Foundation

Founded in memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen, a talented Auburn football player whose life was tragically cut short due to a vehicle crash, the foundation's mission revolves around training future generations to embrace safe driving. The 43 Key Seconds initiative serves as a national symbol aimed at enhancing awareness about distracted driving and promoting preventative measures. The foundation encourages communities and individuals to "Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz,” as they seek to embody the positive character traits Philip represented.

For those interested in learning more about the program and how to implement similar initiatives in their school, visit lutzie43.org.

About Alpharetta High School

Alpharetta High School caters to students in north Fulton County and opened its doors in 2004. The school is committed to academic excellence, having achieved the status of an International Baccalaureate World School in 2018. Known as the Alpharetta Raiders, the school proudly emphasizes community engagement and student character development. For more details, check their website at alpharettahs.fultonschools.org.