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Wisconsin DNR Reminds ATV/UTV Riders to Be Smart and Safe

Thursday, March 14th, 2024 -- 10:00 AM

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds ATV/UTV riders to make safety their number one priority this spring.

A lack of snow melt and early spring weather means drier trails and more opportunities for riders to get out on private and public land across Wisconsin. Regardless of weather and trail conditions, safety must remain a priority for rec vehicle riders.

2023 ATV/UTV incident data underscores the importance of safe riding practices: 282 reported crashes, 32 fatal incidents, 99 passengers were injured, 95% of fatality victims were not wearing a helmet. There have already been five fatal crashes in the state so far this year.

“All of these crashes were preventable,” said Lt. Warden Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. “Riders need to wear a helmet and seatbelt, drive responsibly and choose not to drink alcohol before or during a ride. We continue to see those as top factors in offroad vehicle crashes.”

Crashes can happen to anyone. Always follow basic off-road vehicle safety to mitigate the risk of a crash or fatal incident. This includes staying sober, wearing a helmet, using a UTV seatbelt and taking an ATV safety course.

Some additional things to keep in mind when operating your recreational vehicle include:

  • Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride;
  • Do not travel in unfamiliar areas;
  • Follow all posted speed limits and regulatory signs;
  • Let someone not riding with you know where you are going and when you will return;
  • Double-check before operating on trails, many trails open to ATVs/UTVs are closed during winter in anticipation of snowmobile season.

Wisconsin law requires ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for an ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) must complete an ATV safety certification course to operate in Wisconsin (exception: on private property owned by operator's immediate family).

These safety courses can be taken online or in person. A list of approved safety education classes is available on the DNR Safety Education webpage. Wisconsin law also requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident to law enforcement officials without delay.

Operators must submit a written report to the DNR within 10 days of the incident. For more information about ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s ATV/UTV Riding in Wisconsin webpage.

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