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Accidents happen. But often, they’re preventable. This May, Visit Tazewell County is observing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and spreading the word about ways bikers — and motorists — can stay safe as they navigate the twists and turns of Tazewell County.
Here in southern Virginia, our county is home to one of central Appalachia’s most popular attractions for motorcyclists and sports cars alike: the Back of the Dragon. With 32 miles and 438 curves, the Back of the Dragon is a challenge waiting to be conquered. But before you set out on your quest to conquer the blacktopped beast, make sure you’re up to speed on safety standards — being prepared might just save your life or someone else’s.
This month, Larry Davidson, founder of the Back of the Dragon, and his daughter Beth Takach, the Back of the Dragon’s store manager, share some valuable tips to help keep bikers safe and protected.
In Virginia, it is the law. Riders must wear helmets and have the appropriate license. Before you depart, make sure you’ve got both on your person!
In the event of an accident, it’s critical that riders protect themselves with proper road gear. “Dad always says [one should] ‘dress to wreck,’” Beth says, noting motorcyclists should wear protective jackets, pants and boots — “always leather boots.” Wearing a full-face helmet, she added, can also help prevent injuries in the event of a crash.
Traveling is always more fun when you can do it with a friend, and in the event of an accident, having a road trip companion can come in handy.
Always let people know your route and what time you should be expected back, Beth advises. Ask a loved one to call you around that time to make sure you made it home safely, because some of the backroads aren’t traveled as frequently. In the event of an accident, it may be difficult to signal for help — especially if the motorcyclist has wrecked in a ditch or over a hill.
It’s important to have a couple first-aid essentials on hand. This comes in handy if you develop blisters on your ride, she says.
As the temperatures rise, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you’re venturing out on a less frequently-traveled route for a couple hours, bring water (and some snacks to stabilize your blood sugar!).
When approaching a curve, Larry says, “take it as if someone could be in your lane” on the other side.
Whether you’re driving in a neighborhood where small children are present or simply sharing the road with motorcycles. It’s critical that drivers are always vigilant.
Motorcycles aren’t always as easy to spot. Before making a turn, check all blind spots to prevent a collision.
When motorists aren’t used to driving around motorcyclists, Beth says, they can become “blind” to bikes. “Wake your brain up to know that when you look and see if it’s clear that it really is,” she said. Collisions occur when
Especially if you’re going around a curve. It’s easy to increase speed in a straight stretch of road, but going over the white line can cause serious harm for the motorcyclists. “When you hit a bike, you’re going to hurt your car but kill a person,” Larry says. “800 lbs against 4,000-5,000 lbs — the math doesn’t work out.”
Sure, it’s a no-brainer. But these days, it’s easy to get distracted. Put your phone on Do-Not-Disturb mode to prevent the urge to look.
For more information on motorcycle safety and licensing, visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
Tazewell County, Virginia is nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Founded in 1799, the county has a rich history spanning generations and is home to some of the best outdoor recreation experiences available in the region!
