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 an increased law enforcement presence along one of the nation’s most popular roads for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts.
Local law enforcement agencies will participate in checkpoints and saturation patrols in Swain and Graham counties today. Tennessee state troopers will also enforce heightened patrols across the state line. Drivers can expect an increase in law enforcement patrols 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.”
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 Lt. 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 Vision Zero, an initiative that aims to reach zero traffic-related deaths by changing the traffic safety culture.