RALEIGH – North Carolina and Tennessee officials are reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up and remove distractions while traveling the 11-mile scenic and winding stretch of U.S. 129 known as the “Tail of the Dragon.”
The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and N.C. State Highway Patrol, along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and others launched a campaign today to promote safe travel through education and increased law enforcement presence along one of the nation’s most popular motorcycle and sports car roads.
Local law enforcement agencies will participate in checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout Swain and Graham counties today. Tennessee Highway Troopers will also enforce heightened patrols. Drivers can expect an increase in patrolling through the end of this week.
“The goal of this campaign is to ensure the safety of all motorcyclists, drivers and passengers traveling the Tail of the Dragon,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Travelers should know that this 11-mile roadway is not for sightseeing; the attraction is the tightly winding road itself. Ensuring that drivers are buckled and maintain safe speeds, without distractions, is our No. 1 priority.”
NCGHSP’s Ezzell was joined at Thursday’s event by the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Western N.C. DWI Task Force.
“Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers are watching for unsafe driving behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and unrestrained passengers,” said Tennessee Highway Patrol Lieutenant Rusty Smith. “Through voluntary compliance from the motoring public, enforcement and education, the ‘Tail of the Dragon’ can be a safe, scenic and exciting drive for everyone.”
The campaign complements the Vision Zero initiative, which aims to save lives on North Carolina and Tennessee roads. The goal is to reach zero traffic-related deaths by changing the overall traffic safety culture.