Wardens urge ATV safety; 4 fatalities so far in 2013
May 23, 2013
By: Joanne M. Haas/Bureau of Law Enforcement
Think ATV safety this weekend; Four fatalities to date, helmets needed
People planning all-terrain vehicle outings on the trails this Memorial Day weekend should drive smart by protecting their heads with safety-approved helmets and by practicing responsible driving techniques – including driving sober.
DNR Conservation Warden and ATV Administrator Gary Eddy says Wisconsin has had four fatalities so far this year among ATV riders. Eddy says this is the same number of fatalities that had occurred at this time in 2012, which ended the year with 15 fatalities.
“The trails are going to be busy this weekend,” Eddy says. “A large percentage of fatal ATV crash victims were not wearing helmets. This is a simple step you can do for your safety." In 2012, 14 of the 15 fatalities were not wearing helmets.
Eddy says the majority of ATV and UTV (utility terrain) fatalities are adults, with only a small number of operators under the age of 18 killed each year. This year, the four fatalities included three adults and one juvenile.
“Parents and other adults are usually good about making sure children are wearing helmets, but often they don’t wear helmets themselves,” Eddy says. “Adults should be role models by wearing helmets. You can’t anticipate a crash. But when it happens, be prepared by wearing a helmet."
Eddy adds people should make sure the helmet is one that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Here are other important ATV/UTV safety tips:
- Never drink alcoholic beverages and ride. ATV trails can be rough, rocky and unpredictable, requiring peak concentration and split-second reflexes. If you’ve been drinking, your focus and ability to respond suffer. Practice a zero-alcohol policy. Wait until your ride is done, and you’re safely at your home or lodging before consuming alcohol.
- Complete an ATV Safety Course. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have ATV/UTV DNR certification prior to operating a machine. The minimum age for operation is 12 for ATV and 16 for UTV. This course may be completed either in a classroom or online.
- ATVs and UTVs are highly unstable on paved surfaces. Stay off the roads unless they are marked and approved ATV routes.
- Slow down. Public ATV trails are not race courses. Expect to meet other people on the trail.
- Stay on the right side of the trail. Bumps, puddles and rocks are part of the trail-riding experience; don’t endanger others by riding on the wrong side of the trail. Slow your speed and safely ride through these areas.
To learn more about ATVs and taking a safety class, visit: