Editor’s note: In advance of this holiday weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released safety tips and statistics regarding ATV rider and boater safety. According to the department’s release about ATV ridership, 14 fatalities have been reported to date in 2023 in Wisconsin. Within its boater safety release, the department reminds lake enthusiasts to stay sober and wear a life jacket.
ATV operator stats and safety
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), within a recent news release, reminds operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to follow safety best practices this holiday weekend.
Whether riding on a road route, public trail or private property, riders are encouraged to operate at a safe speed and within their abilities, ensure the operator and all passengers wear helmets and seatbelts and ride sober.
According to the release, so far this year, 14 people have died in ATV/UTV crashes. Most of the individuals were not wearing seat belts or helmets. Several incidents also involved alcohol and speed as contributing factors. Choosing to wear the appropriate safety gear and operating responsibly greatly reduces the chance of a serious injury or fatal crash.
“Holiday weekends typically come with increased traffic on our trails and roads. It is especially important for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders to stay vigilant and make safety the number one priority going into the busy weekend,” Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, was quoted as saying in the release.
The release advices, that when used safely, ATVs and UTVs provide fun family recreation and are valuable tools for working or exploring the outdoors. However, these vehicles are powerful and can be dangerous and even fatal. It is the responsibility of all ATV and UTV operators to make the sport a safe one.
The department encourages riders to make use of the following tips:
• 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.
• Review all ATV/UTV laws before you go.
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, according to the release.
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. The only exception is on private property owned by the 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.
For more information on ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin webpage.
Boating stats and safety
The Wisconsin DNR, within a recent release, reminds Wisconsinites and visitors to put safety first by boating sober and wearing a life jacket when they cast off.
Nearly 80% of fatal boating incidents involve drowning. Drowning can happen to even the most experienced swimmers. Most people who drown in boating accidents know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water, such as being injured, unconscious, exhausted or weighed down by clothing, the release noted.
Alcohol use is a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities, it added.
If alcohol is involved in your day of boating, have a designated operator. Operating a boat is no different than driving a car.
So far this year, two people have died from boating incidents, and another 20 died in 2022. Operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness and speeding are the four leading causes of tragic watercraft crashes. Boating incident reports to date for 2023 and previous years are available online, the release continued.
According to the release, the easiest and most important thing for people to remember is to boat sober and wear their life jackets. Statistics show boaters who wear life jackets and take boater safety courses are most likely to stay safe on Wisconsin waters.
New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather.
The release encourages boaters to make use the following basic safety tips below.
• Sign up now to take an online boater education course.
• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket with a snug fit and fastened when you’re on or near the water. Life jackets will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, if a wave or current overpowers you or if you fall out of a boat.
• Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person’s judgment, reaction time and abilities.
• River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual’s boating, paddling and swimming skills.
• Keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going.
• Remember always to be careful when near or on water, and always wear your life jacket. More boating safety tips are available on the DNR website.
File photo, Elievan Junior/unsplash.com.
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