The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking all trail riders to keep safety in mind over the holiday weekend.
While we have previously reported on the statewide Operation Dry Water intended to keep waterways safe over the 4th of July weekend, the DNR is also urging ATV and UTV riders to make safety part of the celebration.
As of today (July 3rd), 19 people have been killed in ATV or UTV crashes in Wisconsin this year, and most of those deaths involved individuals not wearing a seat belt or helmet.
The DNR has also stated that speed or alcohol played a factor in those 19 deaths as well.
The intoxicated operation of an ATV or UTV continues to be a problem, and the DNR’s off-highway vehicle administrator, Lieutenant Jacob Holsclaw, has said, “Riding sober means you’re more alert, more in control, and more likely to enjoy a safe return at the end of the day.”
In 2024, there were 40 fatal ATV or UTV crashes in the state, with over half of those linking alcohol consumption as a contributing factor.
More information regarding how to stay safe on Wisconsin’s trails this weekend can be found online by visiting dnr.wisconsin.gov.
