Since 2014, the UrKeys2Drv (Your Keys to Drive) Teen Driving Safety Summit has provided an interactive and impactful learning experience for young drivers across Alabama. This summit brings together hundreds of junior high and high school students from each region of Alabama for a day of learning, interacting and understanding the responsibilities of driving. The UrKeys2Drv summit addresses a critical issue: motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Alabama ranks fifth nationwide for the number of teenagers killed in vehicle crashes each year. This highlights the need for more thorough education on safe driving.
The primary cause of crashes and injuries among teenage drivers is inexperience behind the wheel. UrKeys2Drv brings together a coalition of safety organizations with the shared goal of educating teen driversand equipping them with the knowledge and skills to drive safely. This summit is sponsored by by several partners including Children’s of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Transportation, State Farm, the Alabama Sports Festival Foundation, the Alcohol Beverage Control Board and Safe Kids Alabama.
Our goal with the UrKeys2Drv summit is to reach as many young drivers as possible and equip them with the tools and knowledge to stay safe on the road. We hope to change their behavior, make a big enough impact on them that they go back to their schools and share what they’ve learned and, in turn, reduce the number of crashes involving teenagers.
Marie Crew, director of the Health Education and Safety Center at Children’s of Alabama
Keynote Address
Mike Lutzenkirchen delivers the poignant keynote address every year. He serves as the Executive Director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, named in honor of his son, former Auburn football star Phillip Lutzenkirchen. Phillip lost his life in an alcohol related motor vehicle crash in 2014. Mike shares a moving and powerful message titled “Phillip’s Legacy… What Legacy are You Leaving?” During this presentation, he addresses the importance of good character and responsible decision making.
Breakout Sessions
Breakout sessions at UrKeys2Drv provide a more hands-on experience. “Power of You(th),” presented by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Alabama ABC Board discusses how today’s choices can have long-lasting effects, especially those involving alcohol. The “Alabama Teen Driver Quiz” allows teens to show their competitive spirit with gameshow style session, quizzing students on topics like distracted driving, the Graduated Driver’s License law and teen driving trends.
“The ED and Beyond,” presented by Children’s of Alabama, gives students a behind the scenes look at what happens in the trauma room. Some students even experience the application of medical equipment like neck collars, splints and backboards, offering a realistic perspective on the consequences of poor driving.
ALDOT’s session, “Drive Safe Alabama” includes a behind-the-wheel simulation where students can experience the impact they have on the road while operating a vehicle while distracted. Students wear goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol and marijuana and are asked to preform simple tasks such as catching a ball and picking up objects from the floor. This shows students how substances effect the ability to do simple things. Troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency lead this session, emphasizing the importance of forming safe driving habits.
The UrKeys2Drv summit aims to inspire teenagers to adopt safer driving habits and ultimately reduce the number of young people dying in motor vehicle crashes. This summit’s hands-on approach makes a lasting impression, helping students understand the real-life consequences of poor driving decisions.
Upcoming Events
- Wednesday, Octber 9, 2024 at Forest Lake UMC in Tuscaloosa
- Friday, October 25, 2024 at Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the University of North Alabama in Florence
If you are interested in attending the summits please contact Arlene Jester at Arlene.J.Lester.CIBD@statefarm.com.
