WINNERS ALL: It was a thrilling experience for participants of the two-wheeler rally organised by The Krishna Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition Society in Vijayawada on Sunday. - Photo: Raju V.

VIJAYAWADA: For the 23 women who assembled at Swaraj Maidan with their two-wheelers on Sunday morning, it was a day to prove their driving skills as well as to brush up their knowledge in traffic regulations.

Armed with helmets and flashing their bib numbers, these daredevils took part in a two-wheeler race covering a distance of 13 km, amid encouraging words from the chief guest Rekha Sharraf, wife of city Police Commissioner Umesh Sharraf, who flagged off the race.

The participants zoomed off from Swaraj Maidan, covering Benz Circle, Ramavarapaddu Ring, Gunadala, Vijaya Talkies and Nakkala Road and reached the finishing point at Exhibition Grounds. The organisers arranged three counters en route to jot down the arrival and departure timings of the racers.

Traffic regulated

As a measure of precaution, pilot vehicles guided the racers with an ambulance, to meet any unforeseen event. Traffic was regulated for a few hours in the morning for the smooth conduct of the event.

First to pip the post was Leela Lakshmi Annapurna, a second year engineering student from V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College, covering the distance in 21 minutes, followed by Ch. Sai Leela, a housewife from Machavaram, who arrived just a minute late. V. Padmini, working as junior assistant for Gandhi Cooperative Bank, finished third in 23 minutes.

Helps awareness

Says M. Narayana Prasad, secretary of the Krishna Industrial & Agricultural Exhibition Society: "Winning or losing is not important. The purpose of the race is to enlighten women on traffic rules and speed management. In fact, as per a study, women drivers are considered the safest. Women can pass on the importance of traffic regulations to the entire family."

Ms. Rekha Sharraf gave away prizes to the winners and all the participants were presented with mementoes.

Some participants shared their experience on the road by highlighting the role of the traffic department in guiding them on the route.

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