The Blount County Sheriff's Department released the results of their increased efforts on the "Tail of the Dragon" last week.
That curvy 11.2 mile stretch of Hwy. 129 attracts motorcyclists and other drivers from across the country, eager to test their skills on the 318 S-curves. However, speed and driver error contribute to a number of crashes in that area every week.
On Friday, deputies increased their efforts on the Dragon, in an effort to reduce the high number of injuries and fatalities due to crashes along this roadway.
Seven deputies concentrated their efforts between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m,. and issued a total of 43 citations during that time:
Speeding: 18
Registration Violation: 6
No insurance: 9
Driving left of center: 2
No helmet: 2
No seatbelt: 6
In addition, deputies assisted 10 motorists who required help.
So far in 2012, two people have died as a result of motorcycle accidents on the Tail of the Dragon,