Honda is starting the year right with some good deeds.

First of all, the Honda Safety Driving Center chose to begin New Year by moving its free weekly seminar for motorcycle riders and car drivers to Saturdays.

I am sure this was meant to coincide with the day that means so much to so many people, myself included.

This year, Jan. 9 and the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene fall on a Saturday.

The HSDC began its advocacy to improve road safety in a country in 2008 with professional and scientific instruction on the proper way to ride motorbikes and cars.

You had to pay for the instruction, of course, but you know with Honda putting its name behind what is essentially a driving school, you’re assured of getting among the best and hands-on riding and driving instruction ever.

You also get to practice your riding and driving safely on courses that simulate real road conditions where you can familiarize yourself with road signs and traffic lights, etc.

Honda later on began holding free seminars that initially were held on Tuesdays. Open to everyone, the 1.5-hour sessions discuss driving and riding basics that every licensed rider or driver should know.

HSDC says these include traffic rules and regulations, right-of-way conventions, proper riding attire, managing blind spots and even driving under the influence of alcohol.

HSDC executives say that participation in the free seminars – open to everyone, including owners of motorcycles that are not from Honda – attracted numerous people who want to make the roads safer.

“We are glad with how this free seminar is received by the public. The number of attendees, to date – including their feedback – is truly encouraging. We even had participants from as far as Batangas," said Katsuhisa Yoda, president of HSDC.

The seminar serves as an eye-opener even for those who consider themselves safe and knowledgeable rider or driver.

HSDC says the following quote from a motorcycle club member encapsulates what many experience during the seminar: “I have been a driver for the past 10 years with no accident record. But when I attended this free seminar to check if my knowledge is enough, I discovered that I have a lot of bad driving habits to unlearn. I hope this will continue so that more road users will be educated.”

There should be more people seeking to attend the seminar now that it’s held on 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, a more convenient day of the week for most people.

HSDC says it can arrange special sessions for big groups, including motorcycle clubs and driver and rider organizations.

The HSDC is located at Km. 17 East Service Road, South Superhighway, Paranaque City.