Patrick Murphy
Daytona Beach, FL – Thanksgiving is now in the rearview mirror, which means that millions of Americans are now starting to decorate and prepare for Christmas.
AAA reports that, on average, 30 million Americans will purchase a live Christmas tree. And while picking the perfect tree is the fun part, the process of bringing it home can be dangerous if not done properly.
Between 2014 and 2017, AAA estimates that 20 million Americans who purchased a live tree did not properly secure it to their vehicle. This can lead to scratched paint, torn door seals and distorted window frames, which can cost around $1,500 to repair.
And if the tree falls off of a vehicle, that can lead to problems for other drivers on the road. It can also lead to fines as well as jail time. Currently, every state has laws that make it illegal for items to fall from a vehicle while on the road. Most states’ penalties range from $10 to $5,000, with at least 16 states listing jail as a possible punishment.
“Drivers who do not safely secure their Christmas tree risk damaging their vehicle and littering the roadway with debris,” said Mark Jenkins, Florida spokesperson for AAA. “Other drivers who swerve to avoid debris like this could cause a crash resulting in serious injury or even death.”
Safety Tips For Transporting Your Tree
- Use the right vehicle: AAA recommends using a vehicle with a roof rack. However, if you do not have a roof rack, use the bed of a pickup truck, or an SUV, van or minivan that can fit the tree inside with all the doors closed
- Use quality tie-downs: Bring strong rope or nylon ratchet straps. Avoid the lightweight twine offered by many tree lots and retailers
- Protect the tree: Have the tree wrapped up in netting before loading it. If netting is not available, secure loose branches with rope or twine
- Protect your vehicle: Use an old blanket or sheet to prevent paint scratches and protect the finish
- Point the trunk towards the front: AAA says to place the tree on a roof rack or in a pickup bed with the bottom of the trunk pointed towards the front of the vehicle
- Tie it down: Secure the tree at its bottom, center and top. At the bottom, use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop around the trunk above a lower branch. The center and top tie-downs should be installed in a similar manner
- Give it the tug test: Before you leave, give the tree several strong tugs from various directions to make sure it’s secured
- Drive slowly and easily: Take the back roads, if possible. Higher speeds create significant airflow that can damage your tree and tie-downs
- Removing the tree: Be careful not to damage your vehicle when cutting or removing tie-downs. Make sure the area around the vehicle is clear to avoid injuring a person or pet. Also, be sure to remove any sap from paint or upholstery
