Riders urged to use caution when operating ATVs

So far this year, 17 people have been killed in ATV/UTV accidents, according to a recent press release from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Two of those fatalities happened on a frozen waterbody when a vehicle broke through the ice. One of those was in Price County and the other was on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Iron County.

Ten deaths happened on routes or public roads, with the most common issue being a rollover or ejection. In the most recent incident, in Winnebago County, two minors were killed when they attempted to cross a public road to go from one farm field to another. While crossing, the ATV was struck by a vehicle. Four incidents resulting in death happened on private property.

According to DNR warden Audrey Royce said, there have not been a great deal of local issues with ATV/UTV riders. In general, she said, trespassing on private land has been reported several times. She reminded riders to stay on marked trails and routes. It is illegal to operate an ATV or UTV on private property without the owner’s consent. 

Another issue Royce noted was juveniles riding without helmets. According to state law, anyone under the age of 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet, she said. A bicycle helmet does not qualify under state regulation.

Displaying registration is another area where some ATV/UTV riders have been remiss. 

Royce said some people do not display their registration properly, meaning they are often stopped, only to find their vehicle is properly registered. Properly displaying registration on an off-highway vehicle is also the law in Wisconsin. Seatbelts must be worn in side-by-sides and other UTVs and headlights and tail lights need to be in working order and on at all times while riding.

Royce also reminded ATV/UTV drivers to exercise caution while riding. Driving sober and driving carefully, within the posted speed limits, helps to ensure everyone will get home safely. She commented the routes tend to be more dangerous than trails, as there is a potential for more interaction between various types of motorized vehicles.

Captain Tyler Young of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department said ATVs and UTVs have not caused a great deal of problems in the Northwoods. For the most part, he said, drivers have been acting responsibly and few issues have come up. 

However, Young did note that drinking and operating an ATV/UTV has caused some problems in the Northwoods.

“It’s not usually us stopping them,” Young said. “It’s usually them getting in an accident and getting themselves caught,” he explained.

Drinking while operating any sort of motorized vehicle is illegal. That, coupled with a less experienced driver or excessive speed, can be a recipe for disaster. 

For more information on ATV/UTV laws, to register a vehicle, or to sign up for an ATV safety class, visit the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov and input search term “ATV.”

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].