THE MOST SHAMEFUL DAYS IN THE HISTORY OF THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL
AND THE LATE GREAT STATE OF TENNESSEE
These pages will remain here forever as a reminder of a law enforcement agency overstepping its legal bounds.
Perhaps future leaders can learn from the horrific mistakes of those who authorized this complete fiasco.

2007 THP Dragon Crackdown:

Hard to believe? Watch the latest videos:


Lawless Johnson is acquitted.
Watch the Video of the Traffic Stop

On December 13 Blount County Judge Brewer ruled Not Guilty and in favor of Tail of the Dragon for charges of having a “television related” device (a video camera) within sight of the driver of a motor vehicle. Trooper Bryan Martin cited me on August 25 on this ridiculous charge which was what many considered blatant harassment in retaliation for our publishing photos of THP troopers crossing the double yellow on the web.

In court Trooper Martin sniveled that “Tail of the Dragon put the video of the traffic stop on YouTube”. We can only guess he hoped his whining would influence the judge to render a guilty verdict. Trooper Martin alone was responsible for the YouTube video as a result of his actions in citing me for such a silly offense. Why would he want to make Tail of the Dragon look like the bad guy in court?

Haven’t seen the video? Some 23,000 others have. See link above.

We would think that the THP would have higher priorities. Why waste their time and the resources of the local judicial system writing tickets that won’t hold water.

When I walked into court I got odd stares from the group of troopers. Guess these guys will be targeting me every time I hit the state line. Be warned ….. I carry numerous cameras that are running all the time and I will not hesitate to publish on YouTube again.

At least the legal system worked this time. We hear that the judges usually rule in favor of the troopers. This time the interpretation of the law fell in my favor. It also helped that I had a complete video recording of the entire incident verifying my testimony. We highly recommend that everyone carry video cameras to record such incidents not only on the Dragon but everywhere they drive.
AUGUST 15, 2008: Well, the Tennessee Highway Patrol finally got something right. In a reply to a complaint Lt. Col. Tracy Trott states “Take time to experience it (The Dragon) yourself instead of relying on a biased website for your information.”

Trott is right on ….. Tail of the Dragon is biased - biased against the tactics of the Tennessee Highway Patrol that put the public at risk. We offer proof in photos and videos to substantiate our claims while THP offers such statements as “…the goal of the THP is to make this tourist attraction safe for everyone to enjoy.” And “…  you cannot believe everything that is written and that officers use certain tactics to enforce the law". Certain tactics that include tailgating, selective enforcement, allowing trucks to run vehicles off the road and driving in the wrong lane in blind corners?

And then Col. Trott states, “in 2007 crashes were reduced 54%.” What he doesn’t say is that vehicular traffic was reduced significantly on US 129 in that time frame by the presence of as many as fourteen THP units in eleven miles at one time. Tennessee virtually shut-down their motorcycle and sports car tourism. And the state is still feeling the impact with many more sites and forums being “biased” like the Tail of the Dragon. Word is spreading and Tennessee suffers.

We just don’t understand why Tennessee doesn’t get it. We begged law enforcement agencies for years to have a unit or two on the Dragon to keep things in hand. Then, after seven years, THP sends from five to fourteen units at a time on any given day, sets-up the paddy wagon, and begins an unprecedented harassment campaign against law abiding tourists from around the world. There was some real good planning here by state officials. Why not just put up some billboards that say “YOU ALL DON’T COME BACK NOW.”

Now, when five THP units and a couple of BCSO units are on the Dragon at once the state continues to present a negative image to tourists. This is evidenced by numerous complaints that we have received. Many promise never to return after encountering radar every two miles and being followed in an intimidating manner. And these are not your wild motorcycle riders, but families on vacation heading to Dollywood and Gatlinburg. Many local drivers have stopped shopping in Tennessee. With tourism dollars disappearing one would think Tennessee would reevaluate their tactics.

Instead we get statements from Trott, “Motorists who use caution and obey the traffic laws will have no problems.”  Yeah, 30 mph school zone speed limit with radar traps in places where it is easy to coast downhill and get a ticket from one of the THP units stationed every two miles. Perhaps Tennessee is looking to allow only golf carts and electric cars here. Then all will be well.

NEW TENNESSEE MOTTO ... YOU'ALL DON'T COME BACK NOW.

NEWEST TENNESSEE TOLL ROAD - US 129

TENNESSEE GOVERNOR SAYS RIDE NORTH CAROLINA

TENNESSEE'S NEW SAFETY PLAN - KEEP TOURISTS OUT

TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL HAS VIRTUALLY SHUT DOWN ELEVEN MILES OF A FEDERAL HIGHWAY WITH 14 OR MORE TROOPERS HARASSING ALL TRAVELERS. WHERE ARE THE FEDS WHEN YOU NEED THEM?
It all began on Sunday, July 1, 2007. State of Tennessee Saturation Program on the Dragon begins CLICK HERE FOR NEWS ARTICLE - Governor Bredesen allocates funds for overtime patrols by Blount County Sheriff and Tennessee Highway Patrol. BCSO begins by sending additional units to the Tail of the Dragon.

Well, the Late Great State of Tennessee has answered OUR OPEN LETTER. Not in words but in actions. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 3-6, there were some 14 Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicles and a couple of Blount County Sheriffs cars blatantly harassing both motorcycles and cars on the 11 miles of the Dragon. They promise to be here for the next month. Talk about showing your ignorance.

These actions prove Tennessee does not welcome visitors to this area. One Trooper pulled me over for no reason. I was on my motorcycle following three cars at the posted 30 mph speed limit and the Trooper signaled me to pull over onto the gravel. He gave my bike a once over and then signaled me to pull back out. Why did he let the cars pass and then stop me?

We heard worse stories. An older female vacationer from Minnesota in an SUV was pulled over in one of the straights and ticketed for 45 in a 30. She insisted she was not going that fast. A local Blount County family was showing their friend from out of state the Dragon. He was ticketed for 40 in a 30. A Georgia rider was pulled over and threatened with arrest when the Trooper insisted that he had crossed the double yellow at 30 mph. He was then harassed for having his face shield up even though he was wearing glasses. The Trooper said the rider HAD TO PROVE they were shatter proof. We heard of a number of non-DOT helmet tickets and saw many rider helmets being inspected by THP. Traffic crept over the Dragon at 20 mph all day. Get a life Tennessee. Many visitors who were staying in Tennessee told us they would not return or spend any money in that state.

While these 14 Troopers were here:

  • Friday 11 am, Meigs TN, 45 miles from the Dragon - Two pick-ups collide, one driver dead
  • Saturday Morning, Bledsoe TN, 65 miles west of the Dragon – A motorcyclist was killed in a one vehicle accident.

MEANWHILE: Tennessee ranks 44 out of 50 states in teenage driving deaths. Perhaps some money should go to improve this area of traffic safety. CLICK FOR DETAILS Is THPs answer to chase young riders at high speeds until they crash? CLICK HERE FOR STORY
and now the THP officer is under investigation...CLICK HERE FOR STORY

AND recently a Dragon regular and his girlfriend were hit by a DUI who fled the scene and then another DUI hit the rider and people who came to his aid. Both DUIs were apprehended. CLICK HERE FOR STORY Guess the THP troopers were busy getting a good night's sleep so they could harass tourists at the Dragon during the day. Something is seriously wrong with THP priorities. Anyone in Nashville listening?

AND If the THP would spend more time on heavy traffic roadways, perhaps 11 people would not have died during the Labor Day weekend. CLICK HERE FOR STORY

LEO Count & Brief Summary of Activity:

  • SUNDAY JULY 1, 2007 State of TN Saturation Program on the Dragon begins CLICK HERE FOR NEWS ARTICLE - Governor Bredesen allocates funds for overtime patrols by Blount County Sheriff and Tennessee Highway Patrol. BCSO begins by sending additional units to the Tail of the Dragon.
  • SATURDAY JULY 7, 2007 Two THP, three BCSO units
  • THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007 ONE FATALITY, unknown LEO coverage - This is the first fatality on the Dragon since August 2006. So much for the overtime patrols making the road safer.
  • FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007 TWO FATALITIES, Four BCSO units on the Dragon at the time of deaths - Despite the increased patrols a 70-year-old couple dies in a tragic trike accident.
  • JULY 19, 20, 21 Two THP, three BCSO - Troopers standing under WELCOME
    TO TENNESSEE sign at state line glaring at all who passed.
  • AUG 3,4,5 2007 Fourteen THP, Several BCSO units each day - THP begins their saturation in earnest. Tail of the Dragon is blanketed by units with troopers stopping vehicles and harassing drivers. Troopers standing by vehicles glaring at passing vehicles. Some 200 citations issued, many for minor infractions such as license plate placement. Traffic is moving at 20 mph. Meanwhile two motor vehicle deaths occurred within 65 miles of US129. On Saturday afternoon, with seven troopers on the Dragon, a rider was killed on nearby US411 in a collision with a pick-up truck.
  • FRIDAY AUG 10, 2007 Seven THP, two BCSO, one Ranger - TOD pulled over by THP for holding a video camera while driving. Verbal warning for having view finder open. Very little traffic - what is here is moving at 20 mph.
    SATURDAY AUG 11, 2007 Six THP, two BCSO - Another low volume traffic day. BCSO was busy writing silly tickets at the Overlook. Undercover Explorer chased down several of the "Lawless".
    SUNDAY AUG 12, 2007 Four THP, three BCSO - Most of the day there were more LEOs than motorcycles.
  • FRIDAY AUG 17, 2007: Nine THP, two BCSO - Despite saturation patrol there are still accidents on the Dragon. One at the Hump and one at Beginners End NC.
    SATURDAY AUG 18, 2007: At least ten THP, three BCSO - One motorcycle death 35 miles away near Knoxville just off I 640 while the Dragon is "Saturated" with LEOs. More silly license plate placement tickets at the Overlook while people die on nearby roads.
    SUNDAY AUG 19, 2007: Another ten or so LEOs - What little traffic there is moves at a crawl.
  • FRIDAY AUG 24, 2007: Eight THP, two BCSO - Busy day on the Dragon with the HOG Ralley in Knoxville. THP was ready with storm troopers.
    SATURDAY AUG 25, 2007: Seven THP, four BCSO - One of the busiest days ever on the Dragon in spite of the saturation. Many complaints from the HOG Ralley attendees about the show of police force. TOD ticketed for holding a video camera while driving a car.
    SUNDAY AUG 26, 2007: At least six LEOs even in the rain - Very slow day. Troopers catching-up with on-duty naps.
  • FRIDAY AUG 31, 2007: One THP, three BCSO - Troopers probably resting up for the "chaos and lawlessness" of the Labor Day Week-end.
  • SATURDAY SEPT 1, 2007: Four THP, three BCSO. NOTE: Eight THP, one FOREST SERVICE OFFICER and six NCHPon the Cherohala Skyway.
  • SUNDAY SEPT 2, 2007: Three THP, two BCSO
  • FRIDAY SEPT 7, 2007: Four THP, two BCSO
  • SATURDAY SEPT 8, 2007: Seven TNP, two BCSO
  • SUNDAY SEPT 9, 2007: Three THP, two BCSO
  • FRIDAY SEPT 14, 2007: Rain out. If there were LEOs they were the only ones there
  • SATURDAY SEPT 15, 2007: Six THP, two BCSO
  • SUNDAY SEPT 16, 2007: Five THP, two BCSO
  • FRIDAY SEPT 21, 2007: Five THP, two BCSO
  • SATURDAY SEPT 22, 2007: Seven THP, three BCSO
  • SUNDAY SEPT 23, 2007: Six THP, two BCSO
APPROXIMATE MAN HOURS 2007: THP 1376 man hours, BCSO 526 man hours
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Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap brings you motorycle and sport car touring information and maps on all of the exciting touring roads ,accommodations, motorcycle repair, and motorcycle rentals in the area including the Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, Foothills Parkway, Devils Triangle, Six Gap north Georgia, Diamondback, Devils Staircase, the Snake, Blue Ridge Parkway and places of interest in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee: also places of interest such as Fontana Dam, Wheels Through Time Museum,  Carolina waterfalls map, Cherokee Casino, Asheville attractions, Biltmore House, Smoky Mountain Railroad, whitewater rafting, zip line tours, Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock, Joyce Kilmer hiking, Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Cheoah River, Nantahala River, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Lake, Robbinsville, Graham County, Bryson City, Sylva, Waynesville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend and more.