Big Trucks Banned on “The Dragon”
Motorcycle enthusiasts know that there are certain stretches of road out there that just beg to be ridden. All across America there are roads that take motorists and bikers through places of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Sometimes, part of the appeal in driving on some of these roads is the design of the roads themselves. Roads in mountainous areas often twist and turn with the land that they are built on, and this adds a sense of excitement and adventure to the scenic drive.
Tennessee is home to a famous stretch of road called “The Dragon,” a stretch of U.S. Route 129 that runs along the western side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It packs an amazing three hundred and eighteen curves into eleven miles, which makes it appealing to motorcycle riders and automobile enthusiasts alike.
Unfortunately, the road is much less fun to travel when you are almost or entirely run off the road by a tractor trailer as its driver struggles to navigate the twisty terrain. The Dragon is a fairly narrow road, so the combination of narrowness and curves often results in tractor trailers coming too close to oncoming traffic.
It is not surprising that many accidents occur along The Dragon. Between 2010 and 2012, there were over two hundred crashes, including six fatalities. Fortunately, The Dragon got a little bit safer. Tennessee followed in the footsteps of North Carolina, which banned big trucks from the portion of The Dragon that passes through the state, by disallowing trucks longer than 30 feet to travel this stretch of the highway.
When you ride your motorcycle on a unique and beautiful stretch of road like The Dragon, it can be an absolutely thrilling experience. Unfortunately, a motorcycle accident can quickly ruin even the most magical motorcycle ride. If were injured or if your loved one was killed in a Tennessee motorcycle accident, it is important that you speak with a Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney at Bailey & Greer, PLLC. Please call 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to speak with us.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
Read more about Thomas R. Greer