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AAA Issues Warning: Unsecured Christmas Trees Are Leading Cause of Holiday Road Accidents
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 7:50 GMT by WILX-TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
AAA Issues a Warnings to Drivers About Christmas‑Tree Transport Safety
On December 3, 2025, the American Automobile Association (AAA) released a timely alert to motorists across the country about a safety issue that has traditionally received little attention: the transportation of Christmas trees. The original story, published on the WILX website (a local affiliate of the ABC News network), explains why a seemingly innocuous activity—picking up a tree from a roadside stand and sliding it into a vehicle—can quickly become a hazardous situation if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Below is a detailed summary of the article, including the key points, supporting statistics, and safety tips, plus additional context gleaned from related links and resources referenced within the piece.
1. What the AAA Says: The Core Warning
The article opens with a stark reminder: “Unsecured Christmas trees are a leading cause of roadway injuries during the holiday season.” AAA’s Director of Traffic Safety, Dr. Emily Hsu, is quoted saying, “During the last five years, we’ve seen a 30 % uptick in accidents involving trees that were not properly fastened in vehicles.” The AAA’s own database lists more than 200 incidents involving trees between mid‑November and mid‑December, many of which resulted in broken glass, injury to a passenger, or even a vehicle rollover.
According to the AAA, the primary danger is that a loose tree can shift, swing, or break apart while the vehicle is in motion. Branches can be propelled at high speeds, striking other drivers or hitting the windshield and causing serious injury. Even a small branch that flies off can end up in a nearby lane, turning a harmless transportation act into a potential hit‑and‑run scenario.
2. Key Safety Risks Highlighted
a. Loss of Control
The article notes that a tree that’s not tied down can become a “moving target” that can pull a driver’s vehicle out of control, especially on wet or icy roads. AAA’s research points to a 22 % higher likelihood of a loss of control incident when a tree is not secured.
b. Visual Obstruction
A partially visible trunk or a falling branch can block a driver’s view of traffic lights, road signs, and oncoming vehicles. The WILX report cites an NHTSA study that found a 15 % increase in accident risk when drivers’ vision is impaired for more than 4 seconds—enough time for a branch to snap loose.
c. Fire Hazard
The article warns that a Christmas tree’s dryness can lead to spontaneous combustion if the tree is left near a heater or in a hot compartment. While rare, the AAA cites one case from 2024 where a tree caught fire in a passenger cabin, resulting in a vehicle interior fire.
d. Legal and Insurance Issues
If a tree causes damage to another vehicle or property, insurance claims can become complicated. AAA emphasizes that most insurance policies explicitly exclude damages caused by unsecured cargo, making it vital to secure trees properly or risk denial of coverage.
3. AAA’s Practical Transport Checklist
The article then transitions to a step‑by‑step guide, adapted from the AAA’s Transportation Safety Handbook. The checklist includes:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose the Right Vehicle | A pickup truck or SUV with a flatbed or large cargo area is ideal. Avoid cars with high ground clearance that can leave the tree hanging. |
| 2. Use a Proper Tie‑Down | Secure the trunk and the tree’s base with a ratchet strap or bungee cord. Tie the strap to a solid anchor point on the vehicle. |
| 3. Keep the Tree Out of the Passenger Area | Position the tree at the rear of the cargo area; never leave it in the passenger compartment. |
| 4. Protect the Tree’s Branches | Wrap the tree in a tarp or a plastic sheet, securing the cover with duct tape or additional straps. This prevents loose branches from flying. |
| 5. Check Weather Conditions | If traveling on a wet or icy road, drive at reduced speeds. Keep the trunk door closed to maintain a stable interior temperature. |
| 6. Test the Load Before You Go | Push the vehicle gently and observe the tree’s movement. If it shifts, re‑secure the tie‑down. |
| 7. Exit Safely | When arriving at the tree stand, exit the vehicle carefully; the tree might still be moving under wind or sudden stop. |
AAA’s article emphasizes that each step can save minutes of life, especially during the holiday rush when drivers are already distracted.
4. Supporting Resources and Links
The WILX article links to several external resources that provide additional context and data:
AAA’s Transportation Safety Center – The article provides a link to AAA’s “How to Secure Your Cargo” page. This resource expands on the tie‑down types, load limits, and best‑practice photos.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Hazardous Materials Guidance – The article references WSDOT’s page on “Non‑Hazardous Cargo Regulations.” While a Christmas tree is not technically hazardous, the guidance applies to any oversized or shifting cargo.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Accident Reports – A link to NHTSA’s “Winter Road Safety” section offers statistical backing for the article’s risk claims, specifically the 15 % increase in accidents due to visual obstruction.
Local News Story on 2024 Tree‑Related Incident – The article cites a 2024 WILX investigative piece that covered the cabin fire case, linking to the full report for readers who want a real‑world example.
AAA’s “Do It Yourself” Video Series – The article includes a YouTube video from AAA’s channel demonstrating how to secure a Christmas tree in a pickup truck. This visual aid reinforces the written instructions.
5. Expert Opinions and Testimonials
The article quotes Dr. Hsu and also includes a short interview with a local tree distributor, Jensen’s Christmas Trees, whose owner, Mark Jensen, says, “We’ve been training our staff to hand the tree to the driver with a quick ‘secure it tight and don’t let it swing’ because we’ve seen enough accidents to know it matters.”
Additionally, a resident of Monroe who had a tree‑related collision in November 2025 shares a cautionary tale: “I forgot to tie the tree properly, and it started swaying. I was about to brake when a branch flew out and hit the passenger side of the next car. I’ve never been so scared.” These testimonials help underscore the article’s urgency.
6. AAA’s Call to Action
The article ends with a direct call to action: “Before you head to the tree stand, review these steps, and ask your fellow drivers to do the same.” AAA’s message is clear: a few minutes of preparation can prevent a lifetime of regret. The organization urges readers to share the safety checklist on social media and to tag their local AAA chapter for additional guidance.
7. How This Article Helps Drivers
By summarizing the information above, the article equips drivers with:
- Awareness of the specific risks that can arise from a simple holiday activity.
- A practical, easy‑to‑follow checklist that ensures safety and compliance with both AAA’s recommendations and state regulations.
- Access to supplemental resources for deeper learning (e.g., videos, official guidelines).
- Real‑world stories that bring the abstract risk into tangible perspective.
The combination of data, expert insight, and actionable steps makes the article a valuable reference for anyone planning to transport a Christmas tree during the upcoming holiday season.
8. Bottom Line
The AAA’s 2025 warning is not merely a piece of holiday fluff—it is a crucial reminder that safety extends beyond the holiday lights. Whether you’re a first‑time tree‑buyer or a seasoned driver, ensuring your Christmas tree is secured properly protects not only you and your passengers but also the wider community on the road. Read the article, review the checklist, and share it with friends and family—after all, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping the holiday spirit bright and the roads safe.
Read the Full WILX-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wilx.com/2025/12/03/aaa-warns-drivers-about-christmas-tree-transport-safety/ ]
