MY piece “Death on the Highway” (February 1) drew some reactions ranging from rage to compassion for the victim of the highway crash.

One reaction-letter stood out—it came from Honda.  I am reprinting it unexpurgated. 

Dear Mr. Mendoza:

Your story entitled “Death on the Highway,” which detailed the senseless death of Mr. Vicente Badillo III, is downright heart-wrenching.  It is unfortunate that for those who have the authority to intervene, your good friend, Benjie, is just part of the growing statistics.

In April 2008 the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) will finally open its doors to the public to help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents that has reached alarming proportions.

Honda Philippines  Inc. (HPI), the leading manufacturer and distributor of quality motorcycles in the country, has been committed to road-safety promotion since 1980 when the Honda Riding Academy in the old Bicutan Plant was established under the company’s PR Department.  Until 2006, the academy educated close to 20,000 motorcycle riders all over the country; quite meager for a company that has been selling more than 300,000 annually in recent years.

In bold pursuit of the company’s obligation to lead in the accident-reduction and traffic-improvement efforts, HPI—together with Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) and Asian Honda Motor Co. Ltd (ASH)—have put up P225 million to operate the FIRST world-class training facility in the country.

A key feature of the facility is a training circuit that effectively combines motorcycle and automobile courses so proper road interaction can be taught in a safe and controlled environment.  Actual vehicular traffic channels like lane merging, controlled intersections, round-about and slopes dot the track so basics like traffic rules and regulations and right-of-way rules can be fully understood and appreciated by learners.

Totally aware of the existing terrain and weather conditions in the Philippines, HSDC integrates LOW FRICTION braking and DIRT courses—where correct handling of vehicles in various slippery and debris-filled road conditions may be taught and experienced firsthand.  These special features are actually FIRST in Asia and outside Japan.

When fully optimized, the HSDC facility will have the capacity to train 11,800 motorcycle riders and 8,600 drivers ANNUALLY—under the tutelage of 70 professional instructors.

In recognition of the training needs of motorists outside the Metro, HSDC operations is likewise designed to mobilize anywhere in the country—when requested.  The Center aims to reach as many road users as possible with the help of Honda’s vast network of dealerships nationwide.

Toward that end, HSDC opens itself to partnerships with schools, LGUs and NGOs in creating safer roads for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Should you have further questions, please feel free to reach me at 857-7200 ext. 494, or mobile number (0920) 952-7717.  We look forward to seeing you in the inauguration of HSDC.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Very truly yours,

(SGD.) MA. PAMELA P. DACANAY

Head—Communications and Promotions

Well, what can I say?

I am flattered by Ms. Dacanay’s response.  It spoke eloquently of how Honda cares not only for its customers in particular but also for all motorcyclists in general.

For Honda to shell out a whopping P225 million just for the purpose of putting up an academy designed to educate our motorists on road safety, why, I’m floored—speechless, even. 

If only the other car/motorcycle companies would follow suit, perhaps this country that is noted worldwide for its reckless, wildest and lawless drivers would soon be the safest place to live in—traffic-wise.

Thank you very much, Ms. Dacanay, and, yes, I hope to join you when you finally inaugurate the Honda Driving Safety Center in April.

Just say the exact day, time and place and I’ll come running.

Pee stop: I wrote this piece in advance and by the time this comes out in print, I am still supposed to be holed up here in Bacolod, the city of exotic, Spanish-influenced delicacies.  I am here supposedly to cover the PAL Interclub Golf Championship and, while here, I also hope to play golf with buddies like Ramon Uy (he just bought an Alterra and a Hi-Lux), Jojo Quilop, Joe Cajili (the city’s chicken king who now drives a Vitara after willingly allowing his son to “capture” his Fortuner), Jake P. Ayson, Henry So-Uy and Domeng Duerme, the chairman of the PAL Interclub Organizing Committee.

THE Nissan Frontier has always been depicted as a potential rival versus pickups from other car companies, but rarely took top sales honors for one reason or another.

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Truth is, everything about it is extraordinarily outstanding.

Speed economy

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Eyes on the Road: Road maniacs should be incarcerated

Last week we attended a Bible study in Ortigas, Pasig City, where the congregation gave a eulogy for the victims of a tragic accident that happened on the intersection of Tandang Sora Street and Commonwealth Avenue, where the car of Rev. Kevin Mark Bisquera Alamag and his wife Belle was hit by a speeding Nova Bus at about 7 in the morning of February 14.

Full Tank: Honda writes back

Your story entitled “Death on the Highway,” which detailed the senseless death of Mr. Vicente Badillo III, is downright heart-wrenching.  It is unfortunate that for those who have the authority to intervene, your good friend, Benjie, is just part of the growing statistics.

Malaysia revs up for F1 second leg

MALAYSIA will serve as the venue of top-class motorsports action when it hosts the second leg of the Formula One World Championship—the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix—from March 21 to 23 at the 5.543-km Sepang International Circuit (SIC).