6 days ago
BCSO, THP partner to encourage and enforce safety on the Tail of the Dragon
BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) —On Thursday, law enforcement leaders from the Tennessee highway Patrol (THP) and Blount County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) announced they are partnering together to emphasize and enforce safety for drivers and motorcyclists riding on the narrow windy roadway known as the Tail of the Dragon.
This comes in response to a seasonal spike in crashes, 112 on this road total the past year, due to factors like speeding, unauthorized vehicles on the roadway, as well as distracted driving.
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The 11-mile stretch of US 129 runs between just south of Maryville to the North Carolina state line, where last year 112 crashes were reported, including five deaths and 40 injuries. Even though this year's riding season is just getting started, there have already been 35 crashes, and first responders are feeling the impact.
'Well, we do get tired of hauling people and dead bodies off the road. It really takes a toll on myself and all the deputies that are up here working. But they get tired of seeing it we would like to be able to put an end to it, but we want people to come and have fun, have a good time, but we want them to go home safe,' explained Randy Ailey a Lieutenant with the Traffic Safety Unit.
With interstate damage from last year's storms, more tractor-trailers have been rerouted onto this winding road – another factor behind the rising numbers.
'I can 100% see how people will come in here with a little bit of attitude and caught that false sense of confidence and the dragon will slip it out from under you. It's the carpet. Just whew like if you don't respect it, it will show you why,' said Zsofi Balazs a motorcyclist who rode the Tail of the Dragon for the first time on Thursday.
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With more riders comes more risk. Local business owners, like Mandy Thomas owner of Dragon City, are calling for common sense on the curves.
'There's a lot of awesome roads here and the Dragon's just becoming more and more popular. So, more and more people are coming here. But with that, if everyone followed the posted speed limits, if you can stay within the lines and stay within your skill level and not try to overdrive it, you wouldn't see the accidents that are out there right now,' explained Thomas.
Both officers and community members say increased patrols could make a difference, but it starts with each rider making smart choices.
'I want people to come up and enjoy themselves but try to remember that this isn't a racetrack. This is where people live. So, keep that in mind. Remember, 'Would I want someone to drive like this in front of my house?'' added Ailey.
The BSCO announced that there will be more speed cameras installed, also grants from the Tennessee Highway Safety office will allow officers to concentrate specifically on the Dragon.
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