MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) riders to wear helmets, seatbelts and follow route rules this upcoming holiday weekend and beyond – it just might save your life.
Along with operating safety, all occupants should wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, and a seatbelt if in a UTV. In 2024 alone, 40 people died in ATV/UTV crashes in Wisconsin, with most of them not wearing helmets.
“We really want to encourage folks to prioritize safety this season,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “We know that speed and reckless operation are among the top contributing factors to crashes each year, and those crashes could be prevented with responsible operation and education.”
Always follow basic off-road vehicle safety to mitigate the risk of a crash or fatal incident. This includes staying sober 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.
On some routes, motor vehicles and ATV/UTVs travel on a shared roadway. Make sure any roads or trails you plan to ride are open to ATV/UTV traffic. Check with the local county, municipality or ATV club to verify. More than 150 crashes occurred on roadways in 2024 and many of them were closed to ATV/UTV traffic.
Operators at least age 12 and born after Jan. 1, 1988, are required to complete a DNR-approved safety course. Learn more about DNR regulations and safety classes on the DNR’s website.
