North Carolina, Tennessee collaborate on Dragon educational campaign
Deals Gap – It should be common sense: drive responsibly on a stretch of highway that boasts 318 curves in 11 miles.
Yet, enough short-sighted errors have occurred over the years that both North Carolina and Tennessee officials agreed it is time to educate those who find joy in endangering lives – including their own.
Representatives from law-enforcement agencies that patrol both sides of U.S. 129 between Deals Gap and Chilhowee Lake – the infamous “Tail of the Dragon” – came together June 13 to show unity in the effort to significantly reduce unnecessary accidents along the corridor.
“We encourage everybody to come visit this beautiful part of North Carolina – but we want you to be safe, and return to your loved ones happy and healthy,” Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran said.
Cochran began the press conference by recounting much of Swain County’s appeal and increase in traffic flow. Cochran listed the Tail of the Dragon among the Road to Nowhere, Fontana Dam/Lake (which is also partly in Graham County), Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and its revamped downtown district as Swain’s major draws for visitors.
Cochran estimated that Swain County’s population leaps from 13,000 to 20,000 during the height of tourism season.
The Dragon is recognized as the portion of U.S. 129 just beyond the Graham/Swain County line near Cheoah Dam (at its southern end); and concludes at Chilhowee Lake in Blount County, Tenn., some 11 miles later (northern terminus). But the journey to reach either stopping point is anything but easy.
As Cochran noted, some of the curves are classified as “hairpin” – which requires a nearly 180-degree turn to navigate – and the terrain is steep while crossing the mountain, albeit scenic. The posted speed limit is 30 mph and all told, a trip through the Tail of the Dragon at or below the speed limit can take between 30-45 minutes.
The sharp, switchback curves and breathtaking views have made the road a popular destination for motorcycles and sports cars, with many operators bending, twisting and gliding around the bends as a matter of pride and obtaining thrills.
“I believe our combined presence is a clear indication of our commitment to our communities, and the needed traffic enforcement across county and state lines – which reflect our determination to save lives,” N.C. Highway Patrol Major Keyla Bell said.
“As we welcome drivers to this distinctive road and area, we hope they share with law enforcement – and the larger community – the goal of enjoying their ride, while adhering to the law and practicing safe driving techniques and commitment to what often equates to drivers: using some common sense.”
The Dragon is perilous enough sober, but one of the overarching themes of the June 13 press conference was concern about individuals who drive the road while under the influence.
“The DWI problem could be solved very simply by, if you’re gonna drink, don’t drive; if you’re gonna drive, don’t drink,” Cochran said. “This road is not made for anybody that is consuming alcohol.”
“In 25 years of law enforcement, I have delivered multiple death notifications,” added Tennessee Highway Safety Office Law Enforcement Liaison Armando Fontes. “When we go deliver those notifications, we hurt with those families. We cry with those families. We hurt with those families and we are saddened by the traumatic experience that they’re going through as a result of these fatal crashes.We care about you. We want to see you have fun, but we want to see you do these things and participate in a good, safe manner.
“One fatality is too many.”
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Capt. Andrew Helton pointed out that in addition to the reckless driving and intoxicated operators travelers may encounter, the remote area may include run-ins with elk, deer, bears, wild boars and wild turkeys.
“We want vehicle operators to be mindful of the land and surroundings while traveling this stretch of roadway,” he added. “We ask that all motorists take their time, be aware of their surroundings and stay mentally prepared for what they may encounter when traveling the Dragon.”
Deals Gap is so geographically removed from the rest of Swain County that often, first responders from both Graham County EMS and the sheriff’s office often assist with calls in the area.
As such, Chief Dep. Cody George, Lt. Jim Hyde and Deputy Chase Hughes were all on hand for the conference.
Agencies also present were the N.C. Governor Highway Safety Program and Tennessee Highway Patrol.
To watch the full video of the press conference, visit grahamstar.com.