Mark Madeja
Senior Specialist, Public & Government Affairs
O: (918) 748-1074
C: (918) 935-9318
Mark.madeja@aaaok.org
B-ROLL LINK: How to properly transport a tree (Downloadable) Deck the Halls….But First, Get your Tree Home Safely Improperly secured trees cause crashes, expensive damage and driver fines
December 3, 2018 — The mad dash for the perfect Christmas tree has started and ensuring safety while transporting the tree should be at the top of this year’s Christmas to-do list.
Data from a AAA survey indicates that approximately 20 million Americans who purchased a live Christmas tree did not properly secure it to their vehicle on the way home, increasing the risk of a crash and serious vehicle damage caused by dangerous road debris.
Christmas trees that are not properly secured are a safety hazard for others traveling our roadways. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, road debris – which could include objects like improperly secured Christmas trees that fly off cars, landing on the road or on other cars – was responsible for more than 200,000 crashes that resulted in 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths over the past four years. And about two-thirds of debris-related crashes are the result of improperly secured items falling from a vehicle.
In addition, vehicle damage that results from an improperly secured Christmas tree, such as scratched paint, torn door seals and distorted window frames could cost up to $1,500 to repair.
AAA urges all drivers to transport their Christmas trees safely this holiday season. “It is important that families take the proper precaution to secure their tree to the vehicle prior to returning home,” said Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma spokeswoman. “Twine that is wrapped around trees and looped through door jambs or open windows can not only cause the tree to become loose and endanger other vehicles but also cause serious damage to door seals and window frames. Drivers should never secure a Christmas tree to the top of a vehicle without a roof rack.”
Fortunately, Christmas trees can be safely transported by taking the following steps:
various directions to make sure it is secured in place and will not blow away.
Drivers can face hefty fines and penalties as well as jail time if an unsecured tree falls off their vehicle. “Drivers can prevent injuries and avoid penalties by properly securing their loads to prevent items from falling off the vehicle,” added Gamble.
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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma.AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.For more information, visitwww.AAA.com.
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Leslie Gamble
Manager, Public & Government Affairs
O: (405) 753-8040
C: (405) 488-7611
Leslie.Gamble@aaaok.org