As the holiday season ramps up more people will be transporting Christmas trees to put up in their homes. Whether they end up purchasing a pre-cut tree or cutting one themselves, many end up securing the trees to the tops of cars for quick and easy transport.
However, if not done correctly, Christmas trees can become a hazard to other drivers on the road. Every year almost 400 collisions occur in Washington due to road debris.
When drivers don't secure cargo properly, debris can fly off the car and harm others on the roadway.
According to AAA, over 20 million Americans who purchased and transported Christmas trees last year did not properly secure them to their cars.
Many people think that simply using twine looped through car windows to tie down a Christmas tree is enough to secure it to the car. According to the Washington State Patrol, this method isn't safe and can result in the Christmas tree flying off of your vehicle.
“Strong rope or nylon straps work best, try to avoid anything thin like twine when putting a tree on top of your vehicle,” says Trooper Heather Axtman.
Trooper Axtman also suggests:
- Use the correct vehicle. If you don't have a pickup truck with a bed or a large SUV or van that can fit the tree inside, make sure that your car has a roof rack so the tree can be safely secured on top of your car.
- Make sure you have a warning flag if you're getting a large tree. As per Washington state law, anything that extends 4 inches from the side or 4 feet from the rear must have a red or orange flag attached that is at least 18 inches long.
- To prevent paint chipping or scratches lay a blanket or tarp on the top of your car before tying your tree down.
- Keep branches from flying off by wrapping your tree in netting or twine before securing it to the car.
- Drive slowly to lessen the risk of damage to your tree. Airflow while driving can be strong and loosen tree branches and rope knots.