MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds ATV/UTV riders that they will see more law enforcement officers Sept. 4-6 for the Labor Day Weekend Think Smart Before You Start safety campaign. 

Conservation wardens and county recreation deputies will be patrolling trails and routes on a unified mission of accident prevention by monitoring for Illegal and unsafe operation. Safety equipment utilization, OWI detection and other risky behavior enforcement such as speeding will be among the campaign’s priorities statewide. 

So far this year, there have been 31 ATV/UTV fatalities and 66 self-reported nonfatal accidents.

“This is trending in the wrong direction as we continue to see an increase of injury and fatal ATV and UTV crashes – with plenty of riding season left this year,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “A large percentage of injury and fatal crashes involve riders not wearing helmets or seatbelts, operating without completing a safety course or with some level of impairment. I can’t stress enough that the public needs to regulate themselves every time they go out riding.”

Follow these safety tips:

  • Always ride sober, with zero alcohol or substances.
  • Wear helmets, seatbelts and eye protection even when loading and unloading machines.
  • Follow all regulatory signs, speed limits and stop fully at all stop signs.
  • While on routes, operate with lights on, on extreme right-hand side of the traffic lane and at safe speeds.
  • Take a safety class regardless of age requirements.