Today I had the opportunity to ride the famous Tail of the Dragon on U.S. 129 between Tennessee and North Carolina. After riding it, one thing became crystal clear:
The safest riders are not the fastest riders.
The Tail of the Dragon features 318 curves in just 11 miles, making it one of the most technical roads in America. It demands your full attention, patience, and respect.
Unfortunately, every time I ride it, I see people treating it like a racetrack. Riders on high-powered sport bikes, sports cars, and even people carrying passengers race from corner to corner trying to prove something. That’s exactly how people end up getting hurt—or worse.
If You Can’t Stay in Your Lane, You’re Going Too Fast
As a motorcycle accident attorney with nearly 30 years of experience, I’ll tell you the simplest rule for riding the Dragon:
If you cannot stay completely within your lane, you are riding faster than your ability or the road allows.
Crossing the centerline isn’t impressive. It’s dangerous.
Every blind curve could have another motorcycle, sports car, pickup truck, or RV coming the other direction. One mistake is all it takes.
The Statistics Tell the Story
This road has earned its reputation for a reason.
Approximately 37 people lost their lives on the Tail of the Dragon between 2000 and 2017, and serious crashes continue to occur every riding season.
A five-year safety study identified 144 crashes, including 12 crashes causing serious injuries and five fatalities, prompting law enforcement and highway safety officials from both Tennessee and North Carolina to increase enforcement and public education efforts.
On the Tennessee side alone, officials recorded 93 crashes in a single year (2019), 63 involving motorcycles, resulting in four deaths—three of them motorcyclists.
Even this year, the dangers remain very real. Two motorcyclists lost their lives in a single crash, bringing renewed warnings from local law enforcement about riding within your limits.
Don’t Let Someone Else Dictate Your Ride
One of the biggest mistakes riders make isn’t a lack of skill—it’s giving in to peer pressure.
Someone comes flying up behind you.
Now you feel like you have to speed up.
Don’t.
If someone wants to ride faster than you, simply use the next safe pull-off, let them pass, and continue riding at your own pace.
There is absolutely nothing to prove.
The Dragon isn’t a race. It isn’t a track day. It isn’t a competition.
It’s one of the most beautiful motorcycle roads in America.
Take your time.
Look through the curves.
Stay relaxed.
Stay in your lane.
Enjoy the scenery.
My Advice as a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’ve represented riders and families whose lives changed forever because of one corner taken just a little too fast.
No photograph, no bragging rights, and no lap time are worth risking your life—or someone else’s.
When you ride the Tail of the Dragon:
- Ride within your skill level.
- Stay 100% inside your lane.
- Never cross the centerline.
- Ignore anyone trying to pressure you into riding faster.
- Pull over safely and let aggressive riders pass.
- Remember that passengers are trusting you with their lives.
- Ride the road—not your ego.
The Tail of the Dragon will still be there tomorrow.
Your goal should be to enjoy every curve today so you can come back and ride it again.
Ride your own ride. Stay in your lane. Make it home.
Ride Safe, Ride Smart
This article was written by Norman Gregory Fernandez, attorney, motorcycle enthusiast, and founder of the Biker Law Blog. I’ve spent nearly 30 years helping injured riders after motorcycle crashes. My hope is that articles like this prevent accidents before they happen.
The Tail of the Dragon isn’t a race. It’s one of America’s greatest motorcycle roads. Respect it, ride within your abilities, stay in your lane, and you’ll have a story worth telling when you get home.
See you on the next ride.
— Norman Gregory Fernandez
Attorney • Rider • U.S. Air Force Veteran • Founder, Biker Law Blog
