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WHAT IS 43 KEY SECONDS? 43 Key Seconds refers to the moments between getting into a car and hitting the road. The initiative asks drivers to use those 43 seconds to run through an internal safe-driving checklist: Do I have a CLEAR HEAD, not affected by alcohol, drugs, emotions or fatigue; CLEAR HANDS, free of all devices, drinks and food; CLEAR EYES, ready to only look at the road, not passengers or text messages; and have I re- membered to CLICK IT, by fastening my seatbelt and making sure pas- sengers are clicked in as well? The symbol of this campaign is a key itself attached to a lan- yard, both imprinted with the 43 Key Seconds re- minder. The vision is for the key to hang from a rearviewmir- ror as a tangible reminder to commit to safe driving. Mike compares it to the Live- strong bracelet which raised awareness and funds for cancer support. “Distracted driving is truly an epidemic in our country, and it is a bold mission to chase,” said Mike. “But we are on a crusade to improve something our family feels is lacking in the country. There is currently no recognizable sym- bol reminding our teens that they are not going to be an im- paired driver. We believe 43 Key Seconds will become a nationally recognized symbol against dis- tracted driving.” So far, nearly 3,000 keys have been distributed during Mike’s speeches, but his goal is to get them in the hands of every new driver throughout the state and eventually the country. “My son’s life was lost as a result of getting in the car with an impaired driver and not wearing a seatbelt. We believe our key is going to make a difference and save thousands of lives,” said Mike. With this new initiative, the Lutzie43 Foundation’s mission and motto remains unchanged — a desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed, while learning from the circumstances that led to his death. “I don’t think any parent plans to lose a child well before their time. You never get over the grief. But I plan to do this until no one wants to hear me anymore. I am proud of what we have accomplished, but there is so much left to do,” added Mike. n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 27 Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of Philip Lutzenkirchen and founder of the Lutzie 43 Foundation at an Auburn weekend event. .....................................................................................................................................................................