dragon awareness

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Make sure your vehicle is safe and ready for the trip. Gas, tire pressure, etc., this area is very remote with no phone service. Check out the local laws section of this page.

BE RESPECTFUL OF THE RESIDENTS

While driving to and from "The Dragon" you will be passing by the homes of hundreds of residents. Drive like you would want them driving by your home. Remember this is their home and we work for them. When they complain is when we are in the area more.

SLOW DOWN

The speed limit is 30 mph on "The Dragon" section. Almost all of the crashes are due to speed. There are several curves that you cannot safely negotiate at 30 mph. Remember not only the limitations on your capabilities but also that of your chosen vehicle.

STAY IN YOUR LANE

Stay on the right side of your lane as much as possible. Many crashes are caused by vehicles crossing the center line or when two vehicles are both crowding the center line when they meet. Some areas are deceptive. They may appear to have a clear view but have a dip or curve just enough to hide an oncoming vehicle.

DO NOT SIGHT SEE WHILE DRIVING

There are multiple pull off areas to sight see. With 318 curves in 11 miles you don't have time to look around while driving. Even at the posted speed limit of 30 mph curves come upon you very quickly.

WATCH THE ROAD

Roadway hazards can appear quickly and unexpectedly. This is a remote wooded area. The area has many fallen tree limbs, rock slides, animals, gravel and mud thrown onto the roadway and oil and antifreeze slicks from wrecks.

STAY OFF THE LINES

The yellow lines and white lines can become slick when they are wet or covered with leaves.

BE AWARE OF OTHERS

Watch for vehicles approaching from behind. If you are slowing down traffic use the next paved pull off on your side of the road to allow the faster traffic to pass.

DO NOT SHOW OFF FOR PICTURES

There are many photographers along the roadway. Do not let this distract you and do not show off for a picture. All of the photographers have plenty of pictures of people crashing because they were giving to much attention to the camera and not enough to the road.

SHARE THE ROAD

You will see pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, cars, trucks, campers, motor homes and anything else you might see on any other US Highway. You may even see tractor trailer trucks even though there are signs warning them to not travel this roadway. As of right now it is still legal for them to be there even though it is impossible for them to be there safely so be aware there may be one around the next corner.

CHANGING CURVES

Stay alert that some curves may change during the curve. There are several curves where the radius of the curve changes at some point in the curve. You may be negotiating the curve fine but when it sharpens you are suddenly going too fast to negotiate the curve and stay in your lane.

DRIVE BELOW YOUR LIMITS

Never try to drive at 100% of your capabilities, allow room for unexpected hazards and adjustments in driving conditions.

WATCH FOR SIGNALS

Pay attention to warning signs given by other drivers when they signal for you to slow down or pull to the side. There is probably a hazard, such as a big truck, approaching.

USE YOUR SIGNALS

Use your turn signals in plenty of time if you plan to pull off the roadway. This allows traffic behind you to prepare for your next move.

SHORT STRAIGHTS

While the straight sections are very tempting to speed, remember at the other end is another very sharp curve. This causes lots of drivers and riders to crash.

NOT A RACE COURSE

This is a public roadway and all the laws that apply on other roads apply here. If you want to test your skills try an open track day somewhere. The rumors are NOT TRUE, there has never been nor are there any plans to close the road for racing.

OUT OF AREA RIDERS

Simple fact. Almost all of the serious injuries and deaths that occur here are riders from out of state where the roads are straight and flat. Take your time and use extra caution.

Equipment

55-12-139 // Proof of Insurance Required

You are required to carry current proof of insurance for the vehicle you have. This proof should be an official document from your insurance company stating specifically what vehicle is covered and the dates the insurance coverage is in effect.

55-4-108 // Signed registration to be carried in vehicle

The vehicle registration for the vehicle you are driving should be signed and carried in the vehicle at all times.

55-9-302 // Crash Helmet Required for Driver and Passenger

DOT approved helmets are required. A DOT approved helmet will have the sticker on the back AND the sewn in label on the inside. Buying a sticker at the sticker shop and putting on a plastic bucket does not work.

55-9-603 // Seatbelts Required

Driver and all passengers are required to PROPERLY wear seat belts at all times when the vehicle is in motion on a public roadway.

55-9-403 // Motorcycle Headlamps

Every motorcycle must be equipped with at least one but no more than two headlamps.

55-9-304 // Wind-shield or glasses required

All motorcycles must have a wind-shield or both the operator and passenger must have on safety glasses or face shields.

55-9-305 // Rear-view Mirrors and Footrests

All motorcycles must be equipped with a rear-view mirror and securely attached footrests for both the operator and any passenger.

55-9-202 // Muffler cutouts prohibited

Muffler must be in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise and smoke. Unlawful to use any type of muffler cut out.

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Moving Violations

55-10-501 // Drag Racing

Using any motor vehicle to ascertain the maximum speed obtainable the vehicle. Using any motor vehicle to ascertain the maximum speed obtainable by the vehicle within a certain distance. Use of one or more vehicles to compare the relative speeds of the vehicles within a certain distance or time. Use of one or more motor vehicles in an attempt to out gain, outdistance or to arrive at a given destination prior to that of any other motor vehicle. The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of accepting any challenge with reference to performance abilities of one or more vehicles.

Penalties: Any person convicted of this offense is subject to one year license revocation on first offense and the seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle.

55-10-205 // Reckless Driving

Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

55-8-136 // Drivers to Exercise Due Care

Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care by operating the vehicle to avoid endangering life, limb or property and to see and avoid colliding with any other vehicle, person or object.

55-8-182 // Motorcycles on Laned Roadways

All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in a manner that deprives any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This does not apply to motorcycles being operated at two abreast in a single lane. A motorcycle may not pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

55-8-123 // Roadways laned for Traffic

If a slow moving vehicle behind which 5 or more vehicles are formed in line and the slow moving vehicle is traveling at a speed that is more than 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, that vehicle shall pull off the roadway in a safe area to allow vehicles to pass.

55-8-121 // No Passing Zones

When the center line is a solid yellow line no passing is allowed.

55-8-164 // Riding on Motorcycle

An operator may only ride on the permanent and regular seat attached to the motorcycle. A passenger may only be carried if the motorcycle is designed to carry a passenger. A person may ride on a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

55-8-175 // Bicycles on laned Roadways

Bicyclists shall ride as close as practicable to the right hand side of the roadway except when passing another vehicle in the same direction, when turning left, when necessary to avoid a collision or hazard. Bicyclists shall not ride more than two abreast, but shall not impede the normal flow of traffic when riding two abreast. Motor vehicles when passing a bicycle must leave a safe distance of at least three (3) feet between the vehicle and bicycle.

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