With 11 miles and 318 curves in Blount County, Tennessee and Swain County, North Carolina, Deals Gap is a beautiful and popular American road for motorcyclists and sports car drivers. It also is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the United States, as the June 3rd deadly crash involving two young men demonstrates. Both the rider and the driver died after the driver lost control of his bike. Police reports show that both men were sober and wearing their seatbelts at the time.
This particular stretch of highway is known as the “Tail of the Dragon” for its resemblance to a dragon’s tail. All those curves might be beautiful, but they pose real dangers to riders, too. In this tragic case, both men did what was right and followed the rules or the road, and they still lost their lives.
Why is the Tail of the Dragon dangerous?
The Tail of the Dragon is dangerous for various reasons. It has lots of curves and slopes, unpredictable weather, and lots of vehicles on it. Regarding the unpredictable weather, the sun could be shining one moment, and then suddenly snow could be falling in the next moment. This can be a deadly combination because visibility is poor, and cars or trucks coming around the corner may not see you on your bike until it is far too late to stop a crash.
Avoiding an accident on the Tail of the Dragon
In order to minimalize the dangers associated with motorcycle crashes on the Tail of the Dragon, use common sense. You should:
- Make sure your vehicle is in proper working order
- Ride or drive at your skill level
- Be alert and vigilant of your surroundings and watch out for other drivers, wildlife, etc.
- Not drive while distracted, drunk, or high
- Maintain a safe speed and a safe distance in your own lane
- Be prepared for all weather conditions, but especially for those typically associated with the season or seasons during which you drive or ride
- Wear all the proper protective gear
These tips apply to both motorcyclists and car drivers. Remember that the Tail of the Dragon is better suited for riding, not sightseeing, so if you want to take in the sights, you should pull over in a highly-visible area.
Though one of America’s most beautiful stretches of road, the Tail of the Dragon also is one of America’s most dangerous stretches of road, and the best way to minimalize the dangers is to be prepared, be alert, and go at your own pace.
If you were riding or driving into the sunset and were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may qualify for compensation. For more information, contact the Knoxville motorcycle accident attorneys at Banks & Jones, or call us at 865-546-2141. We fight 2 win!
T. Scott knows the importance of interacting with colleagues to stay abreast of developments and changes in the legal world. T. Scott frequently teaches CLE courses on trial strategy, teaching other lawyers his methods for success in the courtroom, and is certified as a Rule 31 Mediator in the Tennessee Supreme Court. He is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the National Trial Lawyers, and both the Tennessee and American Associations for Justice.
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