PITTSBURGH — According to new consumer research by AAA, an estimated 84 million Americans will purchase a real Christmas tree this year.
Alarmingly, the same research finds that many of them will transport these trees using unsafe methods. Whether purchased at a local tree lot, a fresh cut farm, or a retail store, AAA East Central urges all motorists to make sure their holiday trees are safely secured this holiday season to keep them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
“There is no question that a real tree can add something special to your home during the holidays, but motorists need to take transporting them seriously,” said Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central. “Not only could you be putting other lives at risk, you could be setting yourself up for costly repairs to your own vehicle.”
According to the new AAA research, 44 percent of Americans who plan to purchase a live tree will transport them unsafely. This includes:
20 percent who will tie the tree to the roof of their vehicle without using a roof rack, and;
24 percent who plan to place the tree in the bed of their pickup truck unsecured.
AAA’s research also shows 16 percent of those who plan to purchase a real tree have had a tree fall off of or out of a vehicle in the past. According to previous AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, more than 200,000 crashes involved debris on U.S. roads over a four-year period, resulting in 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.
Drivers can also face hefty fines and penalties as well as jail time if an unsecured tree falls off their vehicle. Currently, every state has laws that make it illegal for items to fall from a vehicle while on the road. Most states’ penalties result in fines ranging from $10 to $5,000, with at least 16 states listing jail as a possible punishment for offenders.
Additionally, twine that is wrapped around trees and looped through door jambs or open windows can cause serious damage to door seals and window frames, which could cost up to $1,500 to repair.
