The Georgia Department of Transportation and the Lutzie 43 Foundation held a Safe Driving Summit Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Lanier Technical College to educate young drivers on the dangers of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving.
High schoolers heard from several first responders including state and local law enforcement, ER/trauma doctors and nurses, as well as other presenters who discussed the realities of how decisions behind the wheel can impact the driver and others on the roadways for the rest of their lives. According to a release from GDOT, the summit was specifically targeted toward young drivers, because statistically, they are more likely to be involved in fatal car crashes.
“The team created to host these Safe Driving Summits continues to make a lasting impact on hundreds of local high school students,” Assistant State Traffic Engineer Sam Harris with GDOT said in a release. “Not only do the presenters deliver powerful breakout sessions and presentations, but they care about making our roads safer by teaching young drivers about the dangers of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving.”
The breakout sessions topics covered roadway reminders like wearing your seatbelt, staying off your phone and obeying speed limits; all good habits hoped to be instilled into the minds of young drivers at the event.
According to GDOT, there has been an increase in vehicle fatalities since 2020. Roadway fatalities increased even more in 2021 and averaged approximately five deaths per day. Similar increases in traffic fatalities were seen nationwide and is what led to the partnership between GDOT and the Lutzie 43 Foundation.
“Together, the two organizations are on a mission to educate drivers, especially young drivers, about the dangers of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving through the Georgia DOT’s Drive Alert Arrive Alive campaign and the Lutzie 43 Foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative. The message remains to all drivers: Drive Alert Arrive Alive by taking 43 Key Seconds to ensure you have a clear head, clear hands, clear eyes and click your seatbelt before turning your key,” Georgia DOT shared in the release Thursday.
Schools interested in hosting or participating in a Safe Driving Summit should reach out to Georgia DOT’s State Safety Engineering Manager Sam Harris at [email protected].
