Motorcycles are fun to ride, and the one of the best places to ride is the “Dragon’s Tail.” The Dragon’s Tail is a curvy road that resembles a dragon’s tail and snakes across eastern Tennessee and North Carolina through the Smoky Mountains. Nevertheless, like other riding routes, the Dragon’s Tail is extremely dangerous, especially for beginner and absent-minded motorcyclists. Therefore, motorcyclists should take steps to ensure their and everyone else’s safety before taking on the Dragon for themselves.

Safety tips for all motorcyclists

Despite skill level and experience, both beginner and veteran motorcyclists should make safety a priority. When you go to tackle the Tail – for your first time or the hundredth time – make sure you:

• Wear appropriate clothing and gear. Jackets, boots, proper gloves (or gauntlets), proper goggles or sunglasses, and most importantly helmets that fit properly: these are the tools o the trade. Make sure your clothing is comfortable and easy to move in, and that your safety equipment meets the safety standards established by the state and federal governments.
• Check the weather report. Avoid bad weather as motorcyclists are at the mercy of the rain and storms, which interfere with visibility. They also lead to a lot of scattered road debris and slick roadways, which can cause accidents and falls.
• Follow the rules of the road. Don’t drive drunk. Don’t text and drive. Keep your eyes on the road. Even if these seem like common sense pieces of advice, remember this: the Dragon is a curvy beast, and drivers in trucks and cars A) might not be able to see you, or B) think they rule the road. Stick to the speed limits (especially around turns or coming up or down hills) as best you can. And no matter how tempting it is, don’t tailgate or cut in and out of the lanes.
• Give your bike a once over. Make sure that your brakes work, your lights are all functioning, and that you have a full tank of gas. Breaking down on the side of the road anywhere is frustrating, but it’s downright dangerous on the Dragon. If your bike is new, give it a test drive on more familiar, local roads so you can get a feel for how it rides.

Implement these safety steps and you’re good to ride the Dragon’s Tail right into the sunset. If you are in a motorcycle accident and injured as a result, you may have grounds for a legal claim. For more information, contact the Knoxville motorcycle accident attorneys at Banks & Jones. Call us at 865-546-2141. We proudly serve Knoxville and other areas of the Volunteer State.