For 11-miles, U.S. 129 winds and twistsmore than 300timesthrough the mountains of Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The area, known as the Tail of the Dragon, is full of natural beauty and attractsmotorcycleriders from all over the country.
But it can alsobe treacherous.
According to Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network, in 2018, there were 83 traffic crashes on the Tail of the Dragon, 75% of which involved a motorcycle. Three of thosemotorcyclistsdied.Thenumbersfor 2019 aren’t much better:93 crashes, 67% involving motorcycle drivers. Four people died, threeof whom weremotorcyclists.
In North Carolina,there were 10 crashesin 2019on the Tail of the Dragon. Nobody died, but six of the 10 crashes were ofmotorcyclists.
On May 27,six highway safetydepartments and local law enforcementagenciesfrom Tennessee and North Carolinapartnered for an educational campaign. Theiraimis tolowerthe number ofcrashes, injuries, and fatalitieson the Tail of the Dragon, especially as Memorial Day weekend brings more travelers to the area.
►Man killed in motorcycle wreck in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The campaign reminds drivers “to slow down, buckle up and be alert,” according to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Authorities are encouraging motorcyclists to wear boots and jackets to prevent road rash, reflective gear so other drivers can see them, and helmets to lower the risk of death or traumatic brain injuries.
According to Saferoads.org,helmets lower the risk of motorcyclistsdying in a crash by 42%. The organization also saysmotorcycle riders who don’t wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury inthe event ofa crash.
From May 27 through June 6, Tennessee and North Carolina highway patrol officers also plan to increase enforcement of seat belt laws on the 11-mile strip.
Clarissa Donnelly-DeRoven is the cops and courts reporter at the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at cdonnellyderoven@citizentimes.com or follow her on twitter @plz_CLARify.
