North Carolina and Tennessee law enforcement officials gathered at the NC/TN stateline on US 129 the “Tail of the Dragon” on Tuesday. This one-day safety campaign was known as “Border to Border” and was intended to promote safety along the curvy, mountainous road with 318 curves in only 11 miles. Swain County Sheriff’s Office and NC Wildlife Officers also attended the event.
Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
On Tuesday, North Carolina and Tennessee law enforcement officials met at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort along the entrance of US 129, the “Tail of the Dragon” which borders Blount County, TN and Swain and Graham Counties, NC. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and N.C. State Highway Patrol, with the Swain County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, partnered with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol for the “Border to Border” to promote safety for visitors on the 11-mile stretch with 318 curves known as the “Tail of the Dragon.”
“Tourists from all over are attracted to the exciting and unique curves the Tail of the Dragon offers, particularly in the warm summer months,” NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell said in a press release. “This joint campaign is an effort to display our common commitment across state lines to keeping motorcyclists, drivers, passengers and others safe in this popular area by encouraging everyone to slow down and buckle up.”
This infamous road is known worldwide and is highly revered by motorcyclists and sports car clubs who often race and time themselves to try and beat records. This type of behavior often results in accidents.
“Law enforcement’s main goal is to prevent traffic crashes and spread awareness through education,” said Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Buddy Lewis. “The Tail of the Dragon showcases breathtaking views in Tennessee and North Carolina. This stretch of road also can be difficult and dangerous to travel. Please pay attention to the road, slow down, buckle up, and don’t drive distracted or impaired.”
In 2020 and 2021 there were 17 crashes on the North Carolina side of the “Tail” including eight involving serious injuries, with half of those involving motorcycles. During that same time period there were a total of 165 crashes on the Tennessee side, 123 of which involved motorcycles, including nine motorcyclist fatalities.
“We want people to have fun exploring this interesting and unique stretch of road,” said 1st Sergeant J.M. Futrell of the N.C. State Highway Patrol. “But we want them to keep themselves and others safe by buckling up and obeying the speed limit, so we can keep the summer fun going for everyone.”
Tennessee Highway Patrol Col. Matt Perry said if you see unsafe driving or a motorist in need of help, please call one of TN Highway Patrol dispatch centers by dialing *THP (*847). For travelers in NC you can dial *HP (*47).