Honda is firm with its goal of having zero collision fatalities in a Honda vehicle by 2050 and 50% of that by 2030. It’s with this objective that they created the Honda Sensing technology – a set of Advanced Driver Assist features that helps owners in their daily drives. However, they’d also like to reiterate that safety doesn’t just come from what they put in the cars. It’s a shared responsibility by all road users.
That’s the goal of the recently concluded One Honda Road Safety seminar in the Honda Safety Driving Center. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. and Honda Philippines, Inc (the motorcycle counterpart) invited members of the media, customers, club members, and select government representatives for this 1-day refresher on road safety.
The first part was all about self – the drivers, riders, and the attitude they bring on the road. All road users must be responsible for their own actions and that means they understand the consequences if they come up short. This would include distracted driving, poor communication on the road, and risky behaviors like aggressive driving. Alertness, patience, courtesy, and good judgement are other characteristics of a good driver.
Another concept discussed was the “Right of Way vs Last Clear Chance” in avoiding an accident. We see many accidents on the road in intersections and one party would always say they had the right of way since they are on the main road, and so they did not slow down. They’re basically putting the blame of the accident on the vehicle coming from the side road. However, it was pointed out that the car coming from the side road will have blind spots because of the traffic. The car from the main road would have the “Last Clear Chance” to avoid the accident since they see the situation better and so, they’re the one who can ‘decide’ if an accident will happen or not.
Proper driving and riding positions were also discussed and how it helps avoid unnecessary injuries in an accident. A lengthy discussion was also tackled regarding motorcycles and their ‘banking’ tendencies. Alex Gregorio from Honda Safety Driving Center said that riders will really lean with their motorcycles to make a turn, however, there are recommended speeds that must be observed depending on the corner. He also pointed out that you can really do low banking turns in high speed corners ON THE TRACK and not for public roads.
The second part was about safety technologies like Honda Sensing. Eric Suria, an instructor for Honda Sensing, reiterated that the feature is not self-driving technology. The term itself – Advanced Driver Assist System – already says that it’s only meant to assist the driver and not fully take over driving duties. One should also consider following the Driver Attention Monitor, or similar feature, if the car indicates that the driver should take a rest. Fatigue, despite our argument of “still being able to drive” will undoubtedly cloud our judgement and dampen our capabilities in emergency situations.
Last was a reminder portion for Preventive Maintenance. It may seem redundant for us but you still learn something new. According to Marlon Padaoan of the Technical Training Team, it’s crucial that we replace the engine oil according to our car’s recommendation in the manual. For example if it’s stated that you must replace every 5,000km or 6mos, but at that time your engine oil is still clear, it may be an indication that the oil isn’t doing its job well.
Those who want to save a few bucks with mineral oil or semi synthetic might also be paying more. Fully synthetic oils are less viscous (more watery like) and so they lubricate the moving parts in the engine better and longer. The easier the parts can move in the engine, the less fuel you’ll need which means fuel efficiency.
Another factor to consider is iridium spark plugs. They are more expensive but offer better ignition, more fuel efficiency, and longer lifespan because of their higher melting point. Again, with the benefits, it will pay itself off in the long run compared to a normal spark plug.
And for those like my friend who uses their car sparingly, like 5km per week, sir Marlon still recommends changing fluids according to the car’s manual. The car being idle most of the time means that the fluids aren’t being distributed to the components, affecting their operation in the long run. Idle time will affect the fluid’s viscosity, the additives in them, and can have some moisture build-up. Replacing them at the recommended intervals ensures that whenever you start your car, the fluids will work as intended.
Honda as a company has the goal of zero collisions in their cars by 2050. But this seminar makes it clear that Honda’s aim is a shared responsibility. Their cars can indeed have zero collisions if the driver is in the right mental state, has the right attitude on the road, and meets other cars with drivers that have the same mindset. Again, technology can only assist us.
