[dealsgapdragon]

At least we're down 60% to only 7 THP troopers per 11 miles, plus half a dozen "Blount" county deputies. Isn't it illegal to make traffic stops in unmarked vehicles?

BUELL VIDEO: Don't pass the police on the Dragon, especially with TV news ridin shotgun

Honda Hoot sparks increased patrols on Dragon

Josh West
WBIR TV
June 16, 2008


Sportbikes boycott Dragon as lawless cops increase crashes

With the Honda Hoot rolling into East Tennessee, the Blount County Sheriff's Office will be keeping a close eye on the infamous "Dragon."

The route along Highway 129 sees numerous motorcycle accidents each year, and sheriff's deputies are trying to keep riders as safe as possible.

Blount County Sheriff's Office Community Outreach Director Jarrod Millsaps knows the Dragon well. He travels the treacherous stretch of highway a few times each month, trying to stop motorcycle riders from taking dangerous risks on the roadway's serpentine switchbacks.

"The speed limit is 30 miles per hour until you get to the North Carolina line," Millsaps said. "It's also double yellow all the way into North Carolina, which means it's a no-passing zone."


Lawless sportbikers race on the Dragon

But many riders don't obey those rules. We saw one in action Wednesday afternoon. The driver traveled closely behind Millsaps' unmarked vehicle until oncoming traffic cleared, then sped around Millsaps, nearly clipping an oncoming motorcycle.

After being pulled over, the driver said he got wrapped up in the adrenaline rush of the ride and made a risky mistake.

"It could've been a major accident," Millsaps said.

Sgt. Randy Ailey sees similar incidents all the time.


What's wrong with this picture?

"The major factor is the speed," Ailey said. "They come up here and a lot of them think it's their personal race track. One told me this morning, 'If you're going to play the game, you'd better be prepared to pay the price,' and he said he was."

Sheriff's Deputies patrol the Dragon 7 days a week and stop between 10 and 15 drivers each day. With four accidents on Monday alone and more riders on the way this week, Millsaps is advising everyone to think twice before taking risks.

"As long as people come up here and obey the speed limits and obey the laws that are here, then they're going to have a great time and enjoy themselves," Millsaps said.

The Governor's Highway Safety Office recently approved a $120,000 tax increase grant to pay for patrols on the Dragon.


Trucks get immunity while cruisers get tickets

Gangsta Government Updates:

UT faces $21-million budget cut

UT football coach Fulmer gets $30-million pay raise

Video: Cobras versus cops on the Dragon 2007

Video: 100,000 biker tourists boycott Tennessee police state in 2007

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—16 C.J.S. Const. Law, Sect.202, p.987

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-Communist Manifesto, 6th Plank

"There is no speed limit on the Autobahn. Before pulling into the left lane to pass, check the rear view mirror very carefully as far back as you can see. Cars traveling at 130 miles per hour approach suddenly, so when passing (überholen), do so quickly and then quickly return to the right lane. WARNING: Do NOT admit any guilt. Do NOT sign anything unless you know exactly what you are signing."
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"The MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED sign may be used on highways where conditions are such that it is prudent to evacuate or traverse an area as quickly as possible."
—USDOT, FHA, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Chapter 2I. Emergency Management Signing, 2003 Ed


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