DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *June 17, 2022
*Contact:?*DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]

*ATV/UTV Riders: Think Smart *

*Before You Start This Summer*

?

An image of a person riding an ATV on a dirt road.

Remember to wear a helmet and seat belt and practice safety while riding an ATV or UTV this summer. / Photo Credit: iStock / RonTech2000

*MADISON, Wis.* ? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and utility terrain vehicles (UTV) to think smart before they start this summer by following safety best practices.

A lack of safety equipment is the leading cause of ATV/UTV incidents. When enjoying off-road rides and adventures, wearing a helmet and seat belt, monitoring speed, and using caution on hills and uneven terrain could save your life.

So far this year, six people have died in ATV/UTV crashes.?Most crash victims were not wearing seat belts or helmets. [ [link removed] ]

Lt. Martin R. Stone, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator, says operators must remember the ATV or UTV is not built like other popular recreational vehicles ? such as motorcycles or even bicycles ? and knowing how to safely operate these machines is necessary.

?These off-highway machines come with big tires,? Stone said. ?These cannot turn on a dime and can rollover if that?s attempted. Knowing how to be a smart and safe operator is a necessary part of the fun to be had on the trails. Watch your speed, wear a helmet, share the trails and you?ll come home with fun stories about your ride.?

Follow these tips for a safe ride:


* Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.
* Wear a seat belt and a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet.
* In addition to a seat belt and helmet, wear protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
* Keep your speed in check for the terrain, visibility conditions and your experience.
* Remember that some terrain in Wisconsin is too steep for ATV/UTVs. Please be careful while traversing hills?or uneven terrain.
* Know before you go.?Review all ATV/UTV laws?here [ [link removed] ].

One of the best things ATV and UTV operators can do to operate safely is to take an online safety course.?A list of approved safety education classes is available on the DNR Safety Education webpage [ [link removed] ].

ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for an ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) must complete an ATV safety certification course to operate in Wisconsin (exception: on private property owned by operator's immediate family).

Wisconsin law requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials. In addition, within 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a?written report to the DNR [ [link removed] ].

For more information on ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin,?visit the DNR's ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin webpage [ [link removed] ]







________________________________________________________________________

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]? ? [ [link removed] ]? ? [ [link removed] ]? ?? [ [link removed] ]? [ [link removed] ]



[ [link removed] ]

Thank you for your patience as we go through COVID-19 together.?Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

?

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ? 101 S. Webster Street?? Madison, WI 53707-7921?? 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]