For many, decorating for the holidays includes getting a Christmas tree. After picking out the perfect tree, some use their own vehicle to get the tree home. However, many people fail to consider the safety risks that arise when you don’t properly secure and transport the tree.
The dangers of improperly transporting a tree
Errors in transporting a Christmas tree could not only leave the tree looking worse for the wear but could also pose risks of vehicle damage and crashes.
One danger that could arise is if the tree is positioned in a way that obstructs the driver’s view. This could create significant accident risks. There could also be the potential for crashes if the tree were to come loose and fall onto the road.
Therefore, it is important for drivers to take steps to prevent these dangers when bringing a Christmas tree home.
Safe tree transportation
When planning to transport a Christmas tree on a vehicle’s roof, it is recommended that you use a vehicle that has a roof rack and a long roof.
There are important steps to take when it comes to the actual transportation of the tree:
- Have the tree bagged or netted before putting it on your vehicle to decrease it obstructing anyone’s view
- Have the tree point trunk-forward on the roof
- Put a tarp/blanket down underneath the tree
- Secure the tree to the roof rack
- Use proper tools and supplies for securing the tree
- Drive slowly during your trip home
- If you have a long trip home, regularly stop to make sure the tree remains secure
If you plan to transport a tree by storing it inside of your vehicle, it is important to make sure the tree is properly secured and positioned so that it won’t:
- Come loose during the trip and create a major driving distraction
- Majorly obstruct a driver’s vision
- Restrict a driver’s movements
- Pose a major danger in the event of an accident
When improperly secured loads lead to accidents
It is important for all drivers to exercise care when carrying a Christmas tree or other major load in or on their vehicle. Skilled personal injury attorneys can provide legal guidance on compensation issues to people harmed in crashes resulting from drivers failing to exercise such care.
