There are ten days left until the biggest motor sports event in Lithuania “Women’s Rally”. The event attracts more than a thousand participants every year. One third of them are newcomers every year. Some of them are novice drivers.
“Women’s rally” is a great training for drivers who are just gathering their driving skills. During the event, people drive according to a special road book, driving tasks are performed, but the most important thing is to follow the rules of the road,” says one of the organizers, Neringa Simson.
According to her, you can participate in the “Women’s Rally” even without special preparation – just sit behind the wheel and drive. “However, if you have never competed in any motorsport competition, it would be wise to at least do some preparation. After all, when sitting behind the wheel, female drivers become responsible for their safety, that of their friends, and that of other road users.”
A safe car is half the battle
Neringa Simson claims that the car presented at the “Women’s Rally” this year has not only a stylish appearance, but also a full range of safety systems. For example, the Renault Austral rally car has as many as 32 of them. They ensured that the car received the highest Euro NCAP rating.
“The latest safety systems in cars are another excuse to talk about safe driving. Studies have proven that car safety systems help prevent accidents on the road,” says Mindaugas Plukys, representative of the Renault brand in Lithuania.
According to a car expert, an inexperienced driver should familiarize herself with the main safety systems of cars and know how they work when preparing for a rally. This is one of the components of safe driving tactics.
Sophisticated technologies “control” the car
According to M. Plukis, car safety systems are divided into active and passive. Passive systems are: seat belts, airbags, car deformation zones. Such “magic words” as ABS, ESP or DSC are active safety systems. Their purpose is to help the driver in unexpected situations”, says Mindaugas.
ABS anti-lock braking system) is an anti-lock brake system. This system prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking. A simple brake system locks the car’s wheels during sudden braking, the car can become uncontrollable and start to slide on the road surface. “When the car slips, you can slip past the “base” and earn penalty points in the competition,” says Mindaugas.
ESP (English electronic stability program) is an electronic stability system. It is also called Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). It is a complex electronic system that works in conjunction with ABS. “Using sensors, it ‘monitors’ the way you hold the steering wheel, the speed of rotation of the wheels and the movement of the car and ensures that the car really goes in the direction the driver wants when braking.”
According to Mindaugas, in the latest cars sold in the European Union, ABS and ESP are mandatory, as well as another emergency call system – “eCall”.
Ensures both safety and comfort
According to Mindaugas, the latest cars have such systems that help the driver if he loses his vigilance. One such is ACC, adaptive cruise control. Adaptive Cruise Control). It constantly monitors the distance between your car and the one in front. If it notices that the distance is decreasing, ACC reduces your car’s speed.
Another technology useful for the driver is LKA (eng. Lane Keeping Assist), tape support system. It is a modern technology designed to help the driver keep the car in his lane.
By implementing many different assistance systems, Renault tries to help the driver to stay safe on the road and feel maximum comfort while traveling. For example, the very useful system “4Control”, an all-wheel drive system, increases the car’s maneuverability in tight parking lots, and also helps to maintain stability and safety when driving fast”, says M. Plukys and adds that such technology is installed in the latest Renault Austral with hybrid drive.
Formula for safe driving
The car expert emphasizes that safety on the road starts first of all with the driver. He advises the drivers of the Women’s Rally not to lose their vigilance. The Women’s Rally is a celebration and a fun trip with friends, but that trip is on the road and behind the wheel, which means safety must be a priority,” he is convinced.
Attention, distance, speed – a formula that will help ensure a pleasant and safe event experience. “Always be focused on the road, keep a safe distance from the car in front, follow the speed limit and adapt to the road conditions,” advises M. Plukys.
The Women’s Rally will take place on April 27. More than 180 crews have already registered for the event. The participants of the event will compete in 10 classes, including the “Novice Driver”, “Electric Cars” and “Renault Cups”. The “Safest crew” and “Most stylish team” will also be chosen during the rally.
About “Women’s Rally”
The largest motor sports event in Lithuania “Women’s Rally” has been organized since 2015. It is the most massive event “on wheels” that has no analogues in Lithuania, intended only for women. The “Women’s Rally” has received a large number of participants since its birth and has become one of the most anticipated leisure events for active women.
One of the goals of the “Women’s Rally” is to increase driving culture and safety on the road. Rally competitions take place according to the rules of road traffic, here the most important thing is to hurry slowly. On the route of several hundred kilometers, the participants of the rally are waiting for attractions, exciting tasks and special driving events. By participating in competitions, women gain more experience in driving and navigating the road.
in 2019 A Lithuanian record was set in the “Women’s Rally”: The largest women’s motorsport event – 1,444 women, 364 crews participated!
More information about the event can be found on the website www.moteruralis.lt, on Facebook and Instagram accounts of social networks.
