ATV and UTV crashes have DNR increasing patrols and safety messages
ATV and UTV crashes have DNR increasing patrols and safety messages
Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal SentinelSat, June 6, 2026 at 10:15 PM UTC
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Riders gather with their ATVs and UTVs for an event organized by the Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA).
Increasing crashes and fatalities in Wisconsin among users of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) has state officials increasing patrols and stressing safety messages.
There were 300 ATV and UTV crashes in 2025 in Wisconsin, 40% more than the 10-year average, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
And through June 4 there had been 16 ATV or UTV-related fatalities in 2026, on pace to match the record high of 47 in 2021.
"Wisconsin continues to see a rising number of injury and fatal ATV and UTV crashes," said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, in a statement. "We are asking our wardens and law enforcement partners to increase patrols to deter Illegal and unsafe operation and more importantly asking the public to police themselves."
Wisconsin has abundant opportunity for ATV and UTV riders, including on the state's approximately 65,000 miles of approved road routes and several thousand miles of trails as well as private properties.
The increased crashes and fatalities come as use of the recreational vehicles continues to rise. The DNR reported record-high registrations of both categories in 2025, including registrations of 332,713 ATVs (a year-over-year increase of 2.5%) and 205,477 UTVs (increase of 9%).
In an effort to reduce the accidents, the DNR added patrols of conservation wardens and county recreation deputies over the weekend of June 5 to 7 as part of the state's "Think Smart Before You Start" safety campaign.
The purpose of this safety initiative is accident reduction and prevention and to encourage ATV and UTV riders to operate responsibly and safely, according to the DNR.
The main ATV and UTV safety tips of "Think Smart Before You Start" are: stay to the right and use caution around curves; always wear a helmet, seatbelt and protective clothing when riding; stop at every stop sign; and look ahead for curves and trail hazards.
In Wisconsin ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 who are at least 12 years old for ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) must complete an ATV and UTV safety certification course in order to operate on public ATV/UTV trails and areas. And DNR conservation wardens recommend all ATV and UTV operators complete a safety course regardless of age.
Wardens and area safety patrols are focused on reducing risky behaviors among ATV and UTV riders, including speeding and operating while intoxicated.
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In addition, law enforcement officers are looking for compliance with new rules enacted June 1 in Wisconsin.
The regulations include: operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV; ATV or UTV operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing persons on ice is limited to 10 mph; and UTVs now have window tint restrictions.
The use of UTVs has increased most dramatically in recent years. The 205,477 UTVs registered in 2025 was up 52% from 2021. And though fewer UTVs than ATVs were registered last year, UTV accidents accounted for 29 of the 41 fatalities.
UTVs are bigger and heavier than ATVs and often have enclosed cabs.
In 2025, 72% of UTV fatal crash victims were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. And 58% of ATV and UTV fatal crashes last year occurred on weekends.
"Wearing seatbelts and helmets save lives and sober operation is a must for everyone sharing the trails and routes," Holsclaw said.
The 16 fatalities as of June 4 was more than at the same time in the last several years, according to DNR records.
The record for ATV and UTV fatalities was set in 2021 with 47. Other full-year fatality figures were 21 in 2022, 32 in 2023, 40 in 2024 and 42 in 2025.
The DNR is likely to hold more increased patrols this summer, especially on holidays and weekends.
"Our goal is 100% safety compliance and the elimination of dangerous operation that can lead to crashes," Holsclaw said. "This is only possible if riders make sound and safe decisions every time they turn the key."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sixteen ATV and UTV fatalities through early June in Wisconsin
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