Share the Road Safely with the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
For the sixth consecutive year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Our Roads, Our Safety® program is supporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s journey to Washington, D.C., while raising awareness about sharing the road safely with large trucks and buses.
This year, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is embarking on a journey across the country, traveling from the stunning Tongass National Forest in Alaska all the way to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.! Learn more about the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree or plan a visit to see the tree up close at one of the whistlestops along the route by visiting www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.
The nearly 14.8 million large trucks and buses registered to operate on America’s roadways take pride in safely delivering important people and goods across the nation year-round. When you’re on the road this holiday season, remember to drive carefully around large trucks and buses and give them the space they need to continue their vital role!
Help Spread Safety Messages this Holiday Season
Be Aware of Big Blind Spots
Large trucks, like the one carrying the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, have huge blind spots on all four sides. If you’re on the road and you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their mirror, they probably can’t see you. It’s important to stay out of blind spots.
Leave Space for Long Stopping Distance
Fully loaded trucks are extremely heavy and need more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles. It’s important to avoid cutting too closely in front of a moving truck, so that they have enough space to slow down and stop.
Watch for Wide Turns
Large trucks don’t maneuver like passenger vehicles and need extra space to make their wide turns. The best place to be on the road when a truck is turning is either in front of them or behind them.
Road Safety Holiday Coloring Page
Learning about road safety is important at all ages. Print out our holiday coloring page and learn how everyone can be safe on our roads this holiday season.
Holiday Card
Download and print our holiday card with festive ornaments featuring essential driving tips to keep our roads safe this holiday season! Hang them up as a reminder to drive carefully and spread holiday cheer.
Additional Resources
- For more information about how to share the road safely with large trucks and buses, explore the Our Roads, Our Safety website.
- Find and share campaign materials, social graphics, videos, and more from the Outreach Toolkit.
- Follow the Our Roads, Our Safety Facebook page for news, safety messages, and additional materials from our partners.
- Find information and activities to help future drivers from the Kid Zone and Teen Zone.
- Learn more about the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and follow its journey.
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Last updated: Thursday, January 16, 2025