Kolkata: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) brought its road safety awareness initiative to Kolkata, West Bengal, deepening its ongoing nationwide efforts to instill responsible road behaviour among India’s youth. The programme engaged over 2300 participants from St. Mary’s Convent School, aiming to shape a new generation of responsible and mindful road users.
Through interactive sessions, practical modules, and engaging discussions, students explored not only the basics of safe riding and pedestrian discipline but also their larger role in shaping safer communities. The initiative inspired students to view road safety not merely as a rule to follow, but as a culture to embrace.
For HMSI, Kolkata represents a crucial touchpoint in its mission to nurture road consciousness among the youth — who will soon form the majority of India’s road users. By engaging students at an early age, HMSI seeks to instill lifelong values of mindfulness, accountability, and respect for others on the road.
The initiative also emphasized that road safety education must move beyond awareness — it must transform perspectives. Consistent learning and awareness can shift attitudes, foster empathy among commuters, and gradually create safer roads for all.
HMSI’s Commitment to Road Safety
In 2021, Honda announced its global vision for 2050 — to achieve zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India, HMSI is aligned with this mission and with the Government of India’s goal of reducing traffic fatalities by half by 2030.
A key pillar in achieving this goal is early education. By 2030, HMSI aims to instill a positive mindset toward road safety among children and to continue nurturing it throughout their lives. Road safety education in schools and colleges not only builds awareness but introduces a culture of safety — creating road safety ambassadors who will contribute to a safer society.
Nationwide Road Safety Education by HMSI
HMSI currently operates 10 Traffic Training Parks (TTPs) and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDECs) across India, making road safety education accessible to all. The initiative has already reached over 10 million Indians.
HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness Program combines fun with science through:
- Scientifically Devised Learning Modules: Theory sessions on road signs, markings, duties of a driver, riding gear, posture and safe riding etiquettes.
- Practical Learning: Virtual riding simulator training exposing participants to over 100 possible on-road dangers before actual riding.
- Interactive Sessions: Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) — danger prediction training that sharpens awareness and ensures safer driving habits.
- Skill Enhancement for Existing Riders: Hands-on activities like slow riding and narrow plank balancing to refine control and focus.
Digital Learning with E-Gurukul
HMSI recently launched E-Gurukul, an innovative digital platform offering customized road safety modules for three age groups (5–18 years). The platform is available in Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and English ensuring inclusivity and regional relevance.
Accessible at egurukul.honda.hmsi.in, the portal allows live streaming or downloading of content, helping students, educators and dealers champion safer road practices. Schools across India can participate by contacting [email protected].
Through initiatives like this, HMSI reaffirms its vision to be a company that society wants to exist — one that empowers every generation to build safer roads for all.
