Wisconsin ATV and UTV Enthusiasts – Please Follow Safety Tips & Stay Off Undesignated Roads

The Wisconsin DNR is asking ATV and UTV enthusiasts to please think smart before you start: Follow ATV/UTV Safety Tips and Stay off Undesignated Roads

It is your responsibility as an operator of an ATV or UTV to make the sport a safe one.

As the temperatures in Wisconsin warm up and Wisconsinites hit the trails, the Wisconsin DNR is urging all ATV and UTV operators to stay safe and enjoy the ride by following safety best practices.

This year there has been 12 fatal ATV and UTV accidents compared to 6 fatal accidents by May 7. Many of the accidents involved operators using roads and highways. Few operators were safety certified and most were not wearing a helmet or a seatbelt.

When used safely, ATVs and UTVs provide family recreation, fun, and a valuable tool for working or exploring the great outdoors. However, these utility vehicles are very powerful machines and can be very dangerous and even fatal. It is the responsibility of all ATV and UTV operators to make the sport a safe one.

Please follow these tips to ride safe:

  • Know before you head out on the trails. Review all ATV/UTV laws here.
  • Wear a seatbelt and DOT-approved helmet.
  • Keep you speed in check for the terrain, visibility conditions and your experience.
  • In addition to a seat belt and helmet, wear protective clothing such as eye protection, long pants, gloves, boots, and a long-sleeve shirt.
  • Remember that some of the terrains in Wisconsin are too steep for ATV/UTVs. Please be careful while traversing hills.
  • Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your trail ride.

One of the best things ATV and UTV operators can do to operate safely is to take an online safety course.

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).

Wisconsin law requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials. In addition, within 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report to the DNR.

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