Any Info on the Fatalities this Weekend?

[johnmcd]

I understand three motorcyclists lost their lives on the Dragon this weekend, and another was severely injured. Any additional information available? I would imagine enforcement will get a little more stringent, at least for a while.
RIP to the riders.

From http://www.tailofthedragon.com/:
Friday July 13, 2007 - Two Florida riders were the second and third fatalities on the Dragon in 2007. According to witnesses the three-wheel Honda crossed the centerline and struck a vehicle towing a boat. The trike was northbound near mile 2.5 in the Chicanes. US129 was closed for several hours after the 5:30 PM accident while the scene was cleared. Another bike following the trike was also involved, but the rider refused treatment.
Thursday July 12, 2007 - A Michigan rider, Kevin James Hoyt (40), became the first fatality on the Dragon in 2007. The accident was one of many at the tricky Guard Rail Cliff corner at mile 7.2. Troopers measured the fall at 80 feet below the road.
The State of Tennessee has allocated funds to assist Blount County Sheriff in patrolling the Dragon according to a BCSO spokesperson. Riders can expect daily patrols with increased activities during the weekends. This is not meant to be a harsh crack-down, but is an effort to slow riders down in order to reduce accidents. Be warned that excessive speeds and other violations will be enforced.
July 2-8: A busy holiday week with above average traffic each day. The usual rash of minor accidents and one serious one early Saturday morning. A 20 year old rider from SC went down at Parsons Branch and hit a tree. He lost consciousness and was airlifted to UT Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition Saturday night. Mid-day Saturday an 18-wheeler crossed the Dragon and was cited by TN HP. The Lotus Sevens were here enmass celebrating 07/07/2007

[Dragonslayer]

I was there today, sure enough the cops were too.

At 5:30 I was headed northbound, when people were signaling to slow down. I thought "cop ahead". Wrong, another accident. People were gathered around as one guy pushed the wrecked Gixxer to a pulloff area. I saw the guy in the ditch, he wasn't moving. His helmet was still on with the face shield up, and his eyes were not open. As I got a little further, 3 cops with blue lights and sirens on were moving pretty fast to get there.

[Rescue Rob]

Hey guys
i wanted to express my condolences to the family's of the ones that passed away this past week on the Dragon. I see way too much of people getting hurt up here. Please take care when riding the dragon. I like meeting new people but id rather not do it under bad circumstances...
Rob
Blount County Rescue Squad

[Tank]

Hey guys
i wanted to express my condolences to the family's of the ones that passed away this past week on the Dragon. I see way too much of people getting hurt up here. Please take care when riding the dragon. I like meeting new people but id rather not do it under bad circumstances...
Rob
Blount County Rescue Squad

Thank you for being there when we need you.

You guys are the best and really deserve credit for all that you do!

[Dragonslayer]

Last week I saw the banged up guard rail from the first accident, and also the turn where the second took place. You can see where the investigators marked the road. Count your blessings. Appreciate what you've got. You never know when your last breath will be. My prayers go to the families of those three people.

[bsadan@bellsouth.net]

Ditto, will keep the family in our prayers.

[Ludicrous Speed]

Myself and two friends were there tuesday and heard of the deaths. It was a sobering thought, to say the least.

My prayers go out to the families and friends of these individuals......

[Rescue Rob]

I cant stress it enough to please be careful. the dragon is an awsome ride when its done with care, just keep the speed down and your eyes open. most of the time its the other guy you have to watch out for... Thanks Rob ....... Blount County Rescue Squad

[robt57]

If the rider/crash ratio just seems high due to such a high number of riders there. It may well be average comparatively / statistically. I confess t makes me weary to visit as much as I yearn for the experience. But for me 30 miles west of Nashville, all I have to do is ride to the end of my dead end street, make a right, got about a mile, and it is all country roads. Maybe I should just stick to my local country blasts on my XB9S, which I like much better since I put on the Conti Attacks on. Much better... ;)

[Ben]

Last week I saw the banged up guard rail from the first accident, and also the turn where the second took place. You can see where the investigators marked the road. Count your blessings. Appreciate what you've got. You never know when your last breath will be. My prayers go to the families of those three people.

Actually, the guardrail was never hit in the first fatality. He went over the side about 10 feet to the right of it.

Unfortunately, Brad and I were at both wrecks. It is never fun when someone loses their life doing something that is supposed to be fun. Having said that, I would still rather rider up here, than on any interstate or main city street. Im not sure that there will ever be accurate statistics, but I can just about promise that its safer to ride here than just about anywhere else.

[Dragonslayer]

Oh, I thought Thursdays accident caused that damage.

You're definately right. Riding The Dragon is no more dangerous than riding most any other places. I've had many "close calls" on roads with NO curves. Today people drive like they got their license out of a gumball machine for a quarter.