Honda Vietnam Donates Over 12 Million Standard-Compliant Helmets to First-Grade Students

Through relentless efforts, Honda Vietnam (HVN) began conducting safe driving training programs in 1999. Since 2018, HVN has been donating certified helmets to first-grade students nationwide, coupled with road safety education for parents and students. This edition of Honda Stories highlights some of HVN’s key initiatives.

Aligning with Vietnam’s government goal of “Zero Road Traffic Fatalities” by 2045, five years ahead of Honda’s global target.

Established in 1996 as a subsidiary of Honda in Vietnam, HVN is responsible for the design, manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service of motorcycles and automobiles. Since the launch of the Honda Wave Alpha in 2002—a product instantly embraced by customers—Honda has maintained a market share of over 80% in Vietnam (2024, according to the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers – VAMM, including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Piaggio, and SYM).

HVN established its first Safe Driving Training Center in Vinh Phuc Province (now in Phu Tho Province) in 1999 to promote safe driving training programs. Since 2008, HVN has collaborated with the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) and the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) to implement the “Road Safety for Children’s Smiles” project nationwide.

A road safety training session at HVN’s Safe Driving Training Center

Since its inception, HVN has launched a wide range of road safety training and awareness activities—from driving courses for the public to safety programs for preschoolers, primary school students, high school students, and vocational trainees.

Currently, HVN is working towards Honda’s global goal of “Zero Traffic Collision Fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles” by 2050 and Vietnam’s government goal of “Zero Road Traffic Fatalities” by 2045. To achieve these objectives, HVN has developed the “4E Strategy,” focusing on four key areas: Evaluation, Education, Engineering, and External Affairs. Through close collaboration with government agencies, HVN aims not only to meet these goals but also to foster a culture of road safety nationwide.

Promoting safe driving habits tailored to Vietnam’s traffic conditions

Daily traffic scene in Hanoi with a high density of motorcycles

Motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation in Vietnam, with an estimated ownership rate of approximately 770 motorcycles per 1,000 people, and a daily ridership of up to 77 million vehicles. In recent years, Vietnam has made significant progress in improving motorcycle safety through legal frameworks, policy reforms, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure enhancements. However, the fatality rate from traffic accidents remains higher than in many Southeast Asian countries.

Previously, helmet usage was low, but since 2000, the government has mandated helmet use on major roads, extending this requirement nationwide in 2007. Strengthened enforcement and stricter penalties have steadily increased helmet usage among motorcyclists.

A motorcyclist carrying a child in traffic

Challenges remain in ensuring motorcyclist safety, such as the use of substandard helmets that fail to meet national technical standards, improper helmet usage (e.g., unsecured straps), and low helmet usage rates, especially among children.

Data shows that 42% of motorcycle-related fatalities and 69% of head injuries are directly linked to not wearing a helmet. Recognizing the importance of certified helmets in saving lives, HVN launched a nationwide program in 2018 to donate certified helmets to first-grade students.

The program aims to instill helmet-wearing habits among motorcyclists in Vietnam, increasing the use of nationally certified helmets to 100%, while enhancing road safety awareness and safe driving skills for students and parents through training and communication activities.

First-grade students—a critical age for cognitive development—are the ideal group to cultivate the habit of wearing certified helmets as passengers on motorcycles.

The helmet donation ceremony held on October 2, 2025, attended by approximately 1,700 participants

Donating certified helmets to first-grade students nationwide

In October 2025, HVN, in collaboration with the NTSC and MOET, launched the “Certified Helmet Donation Program for First-Grade Students” for the 2025–2026 academic year at Van Bao Primary School, with approximately 1,700 parents and students in attendance.

Parents attending the training session

Notably, the ceremony was attended by Mr. Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President, and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Japan, and Mr. Noriya Kaihara, Senior Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Japan. The presence of senior leadership from Honda Motor Japan underscores Honda’s strong commitment to road safety and highlights its global priority.

Ms. Sayaka Arai, General Director of Honda Vietnam

Parents provided positive feedback, such as “The training program was very useful and memorable” and “This will help me teach my child to wear a helmet correctly.” Students also expressed excitement and enthusiasm about the program. The NTSC and MOET acknowledged that “helmet donations are an essential activity for the new school year,” recognizing the profound value and humanitarian significance of HVN’s initiatives.

Since 2008, HVN has implemented road safety education for students at all levels. To date, HVN has donated over 12 million certified helmets and provided road safety training to more than 7 million children and parents. These efforts have increased helmet usage among children from 37% before 2018 to 85% in 2024.

For HVN, each helmet represents a commitment—a commitment to ensuring safe journeys to school and supporting the dreams of every child. Alongside motorcycle safety initiatives, HVN also conducts safe driving training for car customers, comprehensively strengthening road safety activities in Vietnam. Through sustained collaboration, helmet donation programs, and road safety training, HVN remains dedicated to building a culture of road safety and striving for a future where all Vietnamese citizens can travel with peace of mind.

Certified Honda helmets creatively decorated by students

TH (Tuoitrethudo)