While Christmas trees are one of the most treasured items of the holiday season, they are also the cause of auto insurance claims across the country.

No, they don't drive without a license or run out in front of traffic, but they do fall off roofs more often than you'd think. And the car directly behind the driver who failed to secure his tree is usually the victim. Unfortunately, some drivers don't notice the tree has slipped off the roof until they arrive home, meaning the victim stopped, but the culprit kept driving, and guess whose insurance footed the bill?

But another dangerous situation arises when drivers who notice their tree has dislodged try to retrieve it from highways or freeways. Don't ever do this. Sure, it's an obstruction in the road, and someone may hit it if he or she isn't paying attention, but is it really worth your life to skip out into traffic and drag the thing over to the shoulder? No, it's not. 

The real lesson here is being sure to secure the tree to the roof. If you don't have tightening straps, go out and buy a couple. They are inexpensive and very useful. Two or three will hold the tree tight to your roof rack. Don't have a roof rack? Open your doors and run the strap along the ceiling of the car, then back out over the tree. 

Have a safe holiday.