Primary contributing factors in UTV / ATV deaths discussed by DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a warning as statistics reveal that 29 fatal ATV/UTV incidents have occurred in the state so far in 2026. According to DNR data, the primary contributing factors in these fatalities are the failure to wear helmets and the non-use of seatbelts. A third major factor identified by officials is the lack of completion of safety education courses, a trend that DNR off-highway vehicle administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw describes as troubling.

While not all crashes are entirely preventable, officials emphasize that the probability of survival increases significantly when proper safety equipment is utilized. Among the 29 fatal incidents recorded this year, 13 involved ATVs and 16 involved UTVs, with rollovers, collisions with motor vehicles, and ejections serving as the leading crash types. Local communities across Wisconsin have seen the impact of these trends firsthand through numerous reported incidents, ranging from UTV rollovers in the Town of Wheatland and the Town of Exeter to accidents near Livingston and in the Village of Barneveld.

To combat this trend, the DNR urges all riders to adopt a strict safety code of conduct. This includes operating vehicles while sober, using helmets, seatbelts, and eye protection at all times, and adhering to all regulatory signs and speed limits. Furthermore, riders are encouraged to enroll in DNR-approved safety courses regardless of age, as these classes provide critical skills for accident prevention. Wisconsin law mandates that all operators involved in crash incidents report them to law enforcement without delay and submit a written report on Form 4100-174 to the DNR within 10 days. Further information regarding riding regulations, safety classes, and reports can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website.