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Every year, drivers across the country have newly purchased Christmas trees fall off the roofs of their cars. For motorists who drive over the fallen trees, the resulting damage can result in insurance claims.

When a poorly secured Christmas tree falls off your car’s roof, it’s easy to continue driving, unaware of the mishap.

“Some people don’t even realize until after they get home” that their tree is missing, says California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Trevor Fee, who works in Sacramento.

While the CHP doesn’t keep track of how many Christmas trees fall onto California highways each year, dispatchers report it as a common occurrence.

Retrieving a fallen Christmas tree

If you’re aware that your tree has fallen off your car, be sure to exercise good judgment before pulling over to the shoulder in an attempt to retrieve it.

Running out into a four-lane highway isn’t a good idea, and people should call police for help if they’re unsure that it’s safe, says Michelle Koos, a police officer in Overland Park, Kan.

If you are driving on a freeway, you never should pull over to the shoulder unless it’s a true emergency.

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