Wisconsin on Track to Surpass ATV/UTV Deaths Reported in 2023

Tuesday, September 10th, 2024 -- 9:01 AM

(Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) At least 27 people have died in ATV and UTV crashes so far this year, putting the state on track to surpass the 32 deaths reported in 2023.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources noted 18 of the 27 victims weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and more than half weren’t wearing a seatbelt.

Alcohol was also confirmed as a factor in at least five crashes, and toxicology reports are still pending on 14 investigations. DNR Recreational Safety Section Chief April Dombrowski said in a virtual media briefing that the agency will have more wardens conducting patrols this weekend with local law enforcement.

It’s part of a public safety campaign aimed at curbing risky behavior and impaired operation of the vehicles. Dombrowski said they’re urging people to wear helmets and seatbelts. Operators should also avoid alcohol use and use caution on roadways.

“All of these are factors that could have prevented a death-related crash,” Dombrowski said. “Most of our crashes are preventable.” Dombrowski said 69 percent of crashes so far this year occurred on trail systems and public roadways, including those closed to those recreational vehicles.

The agency asked people to observe stop signs, passenger limits and reduce speeds. The victims in crashes this year ranged from as young as 4 to 79 years of age. The number of injuries and deaths have been trending upward in recent years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That comes as the DNR reported 497,029 registrations for ATVs and UTVs in 2023. The use of UTVs has almost doubled in the last five years. Randy Harden, president of the Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association, said they’re trying to reach a lot of new operators through their more than 120 clubs statewide.

The organization has trail ambassadors that interact with riders about safety protocols and responsible riding, including 17 people who patrolled trails in Oconto County with local law enforcement over the Labor Day weekend.

“Unfortunately, we can’t be everywhere. It’s really alarming to us, too, that we had four fatalities on the same holiday weekend,” Harden said. “We have to get people to prioritize the information that’s out there about safety.”

One of the crashes over the Labor Day holiday involved three kids ranging from 4 to 9 years old riding an ATV that rolled over in the Oneida County town of Pelican, trapping the 4-year-old under the machine. The child later died. The DNR said at least four deaths this year have involved children and teens under the age of 18.

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