December 13 – WILKES-BARRE – The search for the perfect Christmas tree has begun, and ensuring safety during the tree’s transportation should be at the top of the Christmas list this year.
If a tree is not properly secured, it can cause damage to the vehicle, such as scratched paint, torn door seals or warped window frames.
Even worse, it can fly away or out of the vehicle and pose a danger to other drivers.
According to AAA research, an estimated 84 million Americans (33%) will buy a real Christmas tree, and of those:
–44% of Americans who plan to buy a real Christmas tree will transport the tree unsafely.
—20% will tie the tree to the roof of their vehicle without using a roof rack.
– 24% plan to place the tree unsecured in the bed of their pickup truck.
—Of those who plan to buy a live Christmas tree, 16% have experienced a Christmas tree falling off or falling out of the car during transport.
—An improperly secured Christmas tree can cost drivers as much as $1,500 in repair costs.
Previous AAA research found that road debris caused more than 200,000 accidents over a four-year period, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.
“Twine wrapped around trees and through door jambs or open windows can cause serious vehicle damage, such as scratched paint, torn door seals and warped window frames – damage that can cost up to $1,500 to repair,” says Jana L. Tidwell, manager public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Worse still, improperly securing a Christmas tree to your vehicle can pose a serious road hazard if it becomes loose and ends up in traffic.”
Tie one on – the right way
AAA Notes: Transporting a real Christmas tree is a piece of cake, as long as you have the tools and follow these simple tips:
—Use the correct vehicle. It is best to transport a Christmas tree on a vehicle equipped with a roof rack. However, if you don’t have a roof rack, use the bed of a pickup truck or an SUV, van or minivan that will fit the tree in with all the doors closed.
—Bring the right tools. Bring strong rope or nylon straps to secure the tree to your vehicle’s roof rack. Avoid the lightweight rope offered by many tree lots. Bring an old blanket and gloves.
—Protect the tree — and your vehicle. Have the tree wrapped in a net before loading it. If nets are not available, secure loose branches with twine or twine. Use an old blanket to prevent paint scratches and protect the vehicle’s paint.
—Point the trunk forward. Always place the tree on a roof rack or in a truck bed with the bottom of the trunk facing the front of the vehicle.
– Tie it up. Secure the tree at the bottom, middle and top. At the bottom, use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop around the trunk above a lower branch to prevent any side-to-side or front-to-back movement. The middle and top mounting points should be installed the same way.
-Give it the pull test. Before leaving the lot, give the tree several strong tugs from different directions to ensure it is firmly in place and will not blow away.
—Drive slowly and easily. Take the back roads if possible. Higher speeds create significant airflow that can damage your Christmas tree and challenge even the best mounting methods.
In Pennsylvania, under PA General Assembly Title 75, the general rule is that no vehicle shall be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the cargo from falling, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping . Violations can result in a fine of between $100 and $1,000, depending on whether the violation caused injury.
Light – safely
Once the Christmas tree reaches its holiday home safely, proper placement and decoration are critical to preventing a devastating house fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports that while Christmas tree fires are rare, when they do occur they are more likely to be serious:
—Between 2016 and 2020, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees.
—These fires caused an average of three deaths, thirty injuries, and $14 million in direct property damage annually.
—Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 41 percent of home Christmas tree fires.
—Two in five (40%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.
“Nobody wants their vacation ruined by a house fire that could have been prevented,” Tidwell said. “While you may think of your tree as the centerpiece of your Christmas decorations, treat it as a potential fire hazard and take steps to protect your family and your home.”
Make sure the fireplace is the only thing that is ‘lit’
AAA offers the following tips to reduce the chance of a home fire this Christmas.
—Make sure the Christmas tree is at least one meter away from heat sources (fireplace, radiator, candles, ventilation grilles or lamps).
Make sure the tree doesn’t block the exit.
—Add water to your tree daily.
—Replace any string lights with worn or broken cords or loose lamp connections. Never use lit candles to light the tree.
—Always turn off the lights on the tree before going to bed or leaving home.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
