Officials urge ATV safety after 21 deaths this year

MARSHFIELD – Wisconsin officials are urging all-terrain vehicle riders to prioritize safety after 21 people died in ATV and utility terrain vehicle crashes so far this year.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said most victims were not wearing seat belts or helmets, and alcohol and speed were contributing factors in many of the fatalities.
“Wisconsin has some of the best ATV and UTV riding in the country, and we want everyone to enjoy it safely,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, the DNR’s off-highway vehicle administrator, in a news release. “Riding sober means you’re more alert, more in control and more likely to enjoy a safe return at the end of the day.”
Last year, more than half of fatal ATV and UTV crashes in Wisconsin involved alcohol, according to the DNR.
The agency emphasized that riders should always wear helmets and seat belts, maintain clear judgment by avoiding alcohol, and ensure their vehicles comply with state regulations.