As summer gets closer and closer, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging riders to keep safety at the forefront.
This comes as the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day Weekend, will see thousands hit the trails across the state in ATVs and UTVS.
With this in mind, the DNR is reminding the public that anyone 12 years or older operating a UTV or ATV is required to complete a state DNR-approved safety education course and carry proof of certification while riding.
Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, noted, “Wisconsin continues to see a significant number of ATV/UTV crashes, with many operators never completing a safety course. Safety classes are designed to focus on crash prevention and give students proven, real-life skills to keep them safe while out riding.”
To that point, fatal crashes on state trails continue to surge, having increased each year since 2022, with 2025’s death toll doubling that of 2022.
That unfortunate trend is already continuing this year, as 2026 trail deaths are on pace to exceed the 42 seen last year.
The most common variable in fatal crashes over the past five years is operators or passengers riding without a helmet and a seatbelt.
Of all 14 individuals who have lost their lives in a UTV/ATV crash this year, all were without a helmet, and just one was wearing a seatbelt.
Those looking to stay safe and get their safety certification can register to do so by visiting dnr.wisconsin.gov.
