Secure your Christmas tree to your sleigh this holiday season
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JACKSON, MISS. – It’s the holiday season, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to make sure your Christmas tree makes it home by properly securing it to your vehicle.
“Christmas trees that are not tied down properly to your vehicle put you and other motorists at risk of a serious accident,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “Trees could become airborne and strike other vehicles. They could also land in the roadway, creating a hazard for everyone.”
A 2019 study by AAA found that road debris from unsecured loads were responsible for more than 200,000 crashes, 19,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths during a four-year period. Another study found that one in five real Christmas tree buyers reported previously having a tree fall off their vehicle before making it home.
In addition to being a safety hazard, debris from unsecured loads contributes to roadside litter, which costs Mississippi more than $3 million every year to remove. Drivers responsible for litter could face fines up to $500 and up to six months in prison.
“The holiday season is a special time where we gather with our family and friends,” said White. “Mississippi roadways are already more dangerous this time of year with increased traffic and potential winter weather conditions. Please do your part by helping to keep our roads as safe as can be by tying down your Christmas tree.”
Whether your tree is freshly cut from a Christmas tree farm or purchased from a vendor, you can safely transport it by following these tips:
- Use the correct vehicle. Christmas trees can be securely tied to roof racks or placed in the bed of a truck or inside an SUV or van.
- Tie the tree down with strong rope or nylon straps at several points along the trunk. Remember to bring your own straps because vendor-provided straps may not be strong enough.
- Position the bottom of the trunk towards the front of the vehicle.
- Secure loose branches with netting, rope or twine.
- Always double-check the load to make sure it is secure before leaving.
- Drive slowly. Higher speeds create air resistance, which can cause tie-downs to fail.
For more tips on traveling safely this holiday season, visit GoMDOT.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Instagram and X.
