Wisconsin DNR warns about UTV/ATV safety at 23 deaths this year

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin has seen 23 fatal off-road UTV or ATV accidents so far this year.

Most of those who died in the crashes were not wearing either a helmet or seatbelt with the results of whether the crashes involved alcohol pending in many of the cases.

Wisconsin law requires all riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet and both parents and mentors are encouraged by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to provide a positive example with both helmet and seatbelt use.

The DNR said that the number of youths using ATVs and UTVs continues to grow each year.

“We want every ride to be a safe one,” Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, said in a statement. “Most ATV and UTV crashes involving youth are preventable with basic safety steps and education.”

The deaths ranged from a 6-year-old who died in a UTV rollover on July 10 to a 97-year-old who died in a crash with a motor vehicle on April 14.

The 6-year-old died while driving in South Lancaster with a 65-gallon water tank strapped to the UTV on the way to feed livestock when the machine rolled over while making a 90-degree turn and pinned the operator, the DNR said.

A 10-year-old UTV driver died in Hillsboro on July 2 while “drifting” on a UTV in a farm driveway and the UTV rolled over and pinned the driver.

Another 10-year-old died on May 19 in Dayton when the driver and a passenger were riding on a small UTV and an abrupt turn caused the UTV to tip onto the driver.

ATV safety certification is required for drivers once they turn 12 for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988. Drivers under 16 must operate age-appropriate vehicles.