N.C., Tennessee Partner on Safe Driving Campaign

​Robbinsville - Drivers need to take extra safety precautions this fall, especially folks traveling on popular winding mountain roads like a stretch of U.S. 129 known as the “Tail of the Dragon.”

That’s the message officials in North Carolina and Tennessee pitched during Monday’s launch of the “Tail of the Dragon” safe driving campaign.

The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office held a press event Monday off U.S. 129 in Swain County and took aim at an 11-mile stretch of the highway popular for motorcyclists and others trying to see the changing leaves.

“Tourism is back in Western North Carolina, and the fall is a great time to visit this area,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “That’s especially true for this part of U.S. 129, where thousands of drivers and riders are drawn to this route. But on this stretch of highway, things can go from spectacular to tragic in a heartbeat. We want every visitor to enjoy the journey and return home safely by slowing down, buckling up and driving sober.”

To reinforce the campaign, local and state law enforcement agencies will be conducting checkpoints and saturation patrols for several weeks.

“The Tail of the Dragon is a treasure that both Tennessee and North Carolina are proud to share, but safety must come first,” said Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Buddy Lewis. “No thrill is worth a life. By respecting speed limits, staying alert and avoiding impairment, drivers can help ensure this experience remains memorable for the right reasons.”