If you’ve been out on Rt. 129 in the last few weeks, you’ve probably noticed an increase in police officers stationed along the way. The Tennessee Highway Patrol says it’s out there to help stranded drivers, but it’s a safe bet that they’re looking for people who are driving or riding recklessly around those 318 serves.

Look, we’re thrilled that the cops want to keep us all safe – but there’s a chance that their presence is doing just the opposite. Drivers who are speeding tend to jam the brakes when they see cop cars, and stopping short like that can cause an accident. On the other side of the spectrum, you have drivers who won’t drive more than 10 miles below the speed limit when they see a cop car, and that can be dangerous too. And when you add in the people on the side of the road taking pictures, suddenly your scenic ride can be a whole lot more dangerous.

Avoid an accident this year, and follow a few basic steps:

• Don’t ride on bad-weather days. Fog, rain and even blindingly bright sun can obscure your visibility. I know it seems counterintuitive to forgo a sunny day of riding, but you might be better off sticking to another road.
• Turn your phone off. Forget about the illegality of texting while driving – just keep it off and keep yourself safe. If you need to have your phone on, consider investing in a new helmet that allows you to access your smartphone without using your hands.
• Be aware of other drivers and riders. Keep an eye out for how quickly or slowly they’re driving, so you can be prepared for any sudden movements.
• Stay the course. Ignore the cop cars (but pay attention to the photographers) and keep your speed reasonable. The cops are looking for a chance to pull people over; don’t give them one.
• Wear a helmet. It’s the law, whether you love it or hate it. Just put the helmet on when you’re on Rt. 129 and avoid any potential problems.

We’re all for rider safety, and as riders we know that we’re much more likely to be hit by a driver who isn’t paying attention to us than we are to cause the accident ourselves. But cops on the road can make people nervous, so your best bet is to drive safely but defensively. And if you are in an accident, give us a call; we’ll help you out.