ATV and UTV Operators Urged to Ride Safe

Monday, May 15th, 2023 -- 11:01 AM

(Bob Hague, WRN) Wisconsin ATV and UTV operators are urged to ride safe.

Already this year, there’ve been 5 ATV and UTV fatalities in Wisconsin, with none of the victims wearing a helmet. Jake Holsclaw, DNR Off-highway Vehicle Administrator. “We want to make sure that everybody's wearing a helmet if at all possible. And then also a state law anybody under 18 has to wear a helmet.”

Holsclaw says alcohol is a factor in many ATV-UTV crashes. “We want to make sure that people know that, hey, if you're gonna get out on one of these machines wait to celebrate until you're done operating for the day.”

Holsclaw continued, “Just like motor vehicles, alcohol and drug use while operating are key components to crashes. First and foremost, we just want people to remember that, hey, these are like any recreational vehicle and they come with some responsibilities, right? So, we want to make sure that people are aware of how to operate these machines safely. We want to make sure that everybody's wearing a helmet.”

The DNR also recommends all ATV and UTV operators complete a safety course, which is also a requirement for younger operators. And as always, ride sober.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.