tail of the dragon deaths

Safety on the Tail of the Dragon

There were 37 traffic fatalities along this stretch of road between 2000 and 2017, so it is important to drive cautiously as you navigate the twists and turns.

What is the world record for Tail of the Dragon?

The overall record was 18 minutes, or 9 minutes one-way (62 mph average). In order to compete for a new record one had to make the run along with the current record holder. These records were set back in the early 1990s when there was little traffic on the Dragon.

How many people have died on the dragon in TN?

It claims the lives of a handful of people each year. At least 13 people have died on the road in the past 5 years, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Does Tail of the Dragon have a speed limit?

Thrill-seekers from around the world seek out this destination drive but, unfortunately, the Tail of the Dragon is not a race track, which means that its speed limit is set at 30 mph.

Are there police on the Tail of the Dragon?

You will usually see the Blount County Sheriff’s cars on 129 along the Little Tennessee River straight-aways and sitting at the Tabcat Creek Bridge. Tennessee Sheriff and Highway Patrol units routinely patrol the Tail of the Dragon.

What is the tree of shame?

A tree covered in wrecked motorcycle parts is a warning to riders. Some time in the 1980s, a group of Harley Riders started the “Tree of Shame,” now a fixture at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. The tree is covered in parts from motorcycles that have crashed, or been “bitten by The Dragon,” at some point in time.

How many curves does the dragon tail have?

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel.

How long does it take to ride the dragon tail?

Ride the Dragon

And if you’re traveling by motorcycle, don’t forget your helmet—they’re required for both drivers and passengers in North Carolina and Tennessee. It will take about 30 minutes to drive the Dragon’s 11 exhilarating miles.

Where is the eye of the dragon road?

Nada Tunnel

In Kentucky, Nada is pronounced “Nay-Duh”. It is long enough to be dramatic, but short enough that you can see daylight at the other end as you enter it. It has earned the nickname, the “Eye of the Dragon”. It is a one lane tunnel; those who drive it are very courteous about taking turns.

Is Tail of the Dragon a toll road?

The forested mountains offered the perfect hiding place to escape detection. And the law was reluctant to venture after them. As more settlers moved into the area landowners began collecting tolls for use of the road.

What is the speed limit on the Cherohala Skyway?

The limit is 50 mph and it is a very lucrative spot for the Tennessee LEOs to make some money. Three miles from Tabcat Bridge is the Foothills Parkway. This 16 mile stretch of the Smoky Mountains is very scenic with views to the west of the flatlands of Maryville.