The cause of nearly 30 fatal ATV/UTV accidents in Wisconsin is forgetting basic safety.
The Wisconsin DNR says drivers not wearing seatbelts and helmets are the primary reason the Badger State leads the nation in fatal ATV/UTV incidents.
Off-highway Vehicle Administrator Lieutenant Jacob Holsclaw calls the issue a “troubling trend” and says, “Completing safety education and utilizing helmets and seatbelts are simple ways to protect yourself and passengers while out riding. Not all crashes are 100% preventable, but the odds of surviving a crash drastically increase when safety equipment is properly worn.”
DNR data shows 13 of the 29 fatal incidents in 2026 involved ATVs, while 16 involved UTVs.
The top three types of fatal crashes were rollovers (15), six people died when they crashed into cars, and four people were fully ejected.
There have also been 49 self-reported nonfatal ATV/UTV crashes.
Holsclaw says any rider should follow all regulatory signs, never drink and drive, and take a safety class regardless of age requirements.
More information on safe ATV/UTV riding is available at dnr.wisconsin.gov.
