U.S. 129 Deals Gap Enforcement Initiative Reduces Crashes 53%
Nashville, Tennessee —A three month special enforcement initiative, funded through the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, reduced crashes by 53 percent on a deadly stretch of highway in Blount County known as “Deals Gap.”
“This is a clear example that rigorous enforcement programs are effective measures in reducing crashes and saving lives,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol initiated the enforcement program on the 11 mile stretch of U.S. 129, also known as “the Dragon,” from July through September. The coordinated and combined efforts of Tennessee law enforcement agencies successfully reduced crashes and the level of risk to tourists traveling in the area. The stretch of highway contains 318 curves and has become a popular attraction for motorcyclists to test their skills and “slay the dragon.”
“Since I became Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, I have heard over and over that something has to be done about the chaos that has ensued in that particular stretch of road,” said GHSO Director Kendell Poole. “Through GHSO funding, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and its partners, caused a significant decrease in bodily injury crashes during the enforcement period in 2007.”
During the Deals Gap/Blount County Enforcement Initiative, four Troopers were scheduled to work overtime on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to monitor, provide visibility, and enhance enforcement for the area. In addition to a fifty-three percent (53%) decrease in crashes on “the Dragon,” overall calls for UT Lifestar helicopter (air medical transport) to transport riders to the UT Trauma Center in Knoxville were reduced by 99 percent during the overtime period.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol applauds the Governor’s Highway Safety Office for providing the grant money to enable THP to step up enforcement and deter dangerous activity in “Deals Gap,” said THP Colonel Mike Walker.
The Tennessee Department of Safety (www.tennessee.gov/safety) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public. The department’s general areas of responsibility encompass law enforcement, safety education and motorist services, including the issuance of driver licenses. The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.