GILLETTE, Wis.— A busy Memorial Day weekend means many ATVs and UTVs will be on Wisconsin trails, as will Evan Fox of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
In 2021 there were 47 fatal ATV and UTV crashes. Fox said many were preventable.
“Our two top contributors for fatal crash victims are alcohol use and excessive speed, and then helmet use and seatbelt use as well,” said Fox.
According to the DNR, in last year’s fatal accidents, 90% weren’t wearing a helmet.
Almost 70% of UTV fatalities occurred when seatbelts weren’t worn.
“Everyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a DOT-approved helmet,” said Fox. “If there’s no face shield available, goggles are going to be good for you.”
Long sleeve shirts, pants, boots and suitable driving gloves were also recommended.
Wisconsin trails keep getting busier. Last year, ATV and UTV registrations increased by 25,000.
“We’re getting close to a half-million total ATV and UTV registrations in the state. Where snowmobiles, it’s around 200,000," said Fox.
He offered advice to new drivers.
“Don’t outdrive your ability, especially new people that are inexperienced. They may be driving a new ATV or UTV that they haven’t before,” said Fox. “The biggest thing is to make sure that you’re driving safely and slowly.”
Headlights need to be on as well.
Fox said safe driving should extend beyond the trails. Last year 30 deaths occurred on public roads.
“For holiday weekends especially, the roads are going to be busy, really well-traveled. It can get pretty congested with vehicles, cars, trucks, and semis sharing the roads with ATVs and UTVs. Some of them might not be aware they’re on a road with ATV and UTV traffic," explained Fox.
He emphasized ATVs and UTVs should stay off highways. Fox said the recent rainfall in many areas should help keep dust at bay on the trails.
“We want people to come out, have fun, enjoy the outdoors, enjoy Wisconsin," said Fox.
And maybe get a little muddy too.