Wisconsin DNR Warning: 23 Fatal UTV/ATV Accidents So Far This Year

As many take to Wisconsin’s trails and rural roads this summer, the Department of Natural Resources is sounding the alarm after seeing a spike in off-highway vehicle fatalities. Another fatal UTV accident in Wisconsin on July 21st has prompted the DNR to launch a campaign for UTV/ATV safety, with a heavy emphasis on seatbelt use in UTVs.

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So far in 2025, there have been 23 fatal crashes involving UTVs and ATVs across the state. A closer look at the data reveals a consistent and preventable pattern: UTVs account for 86% of the fatalities, and most victims were not wearing seatbelts.

Despite being built with safety features like roll cages and seatbelts, UTVs are often used without proper precautions taken by drivers and riders alike. In the majority of fatal UTV accidents this year, victims were either ejected from the vehicle or pinned beneath it. Both outcomes are avoided by simply buckling up. In fact, only five of the UTV/ATV-related fatalities involved riders confirmed to be wearing a seatbelt.

Now, some accidents did occur on frozen lakes during winter, where UTVs broke through the ice. But accidents can really happen anywhere: rural roads, public trails, and private property. A number of crashes involved collisions with trees, moving vehicles, or other fixed objects. Common factors across many incidents include loss of control, high speeds, and improper handling on turns or uneven terrain.

It's also important that the public understands Wisconsin law requires all UTV passengers to wear seatbelts. Furthermore, operators must be at least 16 years old to drive a full-size UTV on public areas/roads, and anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988, must complete a certified safety course if they are 12 or older.

The most devastating news comes in the form of four fatalities involving children under the age of 16. This highlights the importance of enforcing age restrictions and supervising young riders. The ages of those lost this year spanned from 6 years old to 97. Additionally, only two of the victims in the 23 fatal cases had confirmed safety certifications at the time of their accidents.

Fatal UTV/ATV Locations in Wisconsin:

• Marquette (Westfield)
• Oconto (Lena)
• Waukesha (Pewaukee)
• Kenosha (Twin Lakes)
• Fond du Lac (Lake Winnebago)
• Door (Gardner)
• Douglas (Superior)
• Waupaca (Clintonville, Harrison) – 2 incidents
• Chippewa (Bloomer)
• Pepin (Pepin)
• Lafayette (Kendall)
• Richland (Dayton)
• Grant (Paris, South Lancaster) – 2 incidents
• Iowa (Waldwick)
• Marinette (Niagara)
• Walworth (East Troy)
• Sauk (Dellona)
• Clark (Dewhurst)
• Vernon (Hillsboro)
• Brown (Glenmore)
• Portage (New Hope)

The Wisconsin DNR is focused on education and prevention, encouraging riders to slow down, wear protective gear, and take the safety training seriously. Seatbelt use remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or death while riding a UTV.