While ATV/UTV crashes are a problem across Wisconsin, local emergency room and hospitalization data shows that Green County is above the state average for ATV and UTV-related injuries. Shockingly, the highest number of ATV and UTV-related emergency visits in Green County is in children aged 11 to 15, followed closely by 6-to-10-year-olds. Protecting our youth means recognizing this alarming trend and working together to teach them safe habits.
Each year, ATV and UTV crashes are most frequently caused by speed, alcohol, and reckless operation. These top three crash factors are not surprising, but they are preventable. Staying safe this summer begins with a simple commitment from every ATV/UTV rider: slow down, stay sober, and always wear a helmet.
Data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shows a sharp increase in reported crashes over the last decade. The number of crashes has more than doubled in the last ten years, and in more than half of the fatal crashes reported in 2024, alcohol was involved.
Overall, the trend shows crashes are happening more often and with more serious consequences. The message is simple: ATVs and UTVs are not toys. Parents can help keep kids safe by teaching a few key safety basics.
One of the most important safety steps for any rider is wearing a helmet. In 2024, more than 85% of people who died in ATV/UTV crashes were not wearing a helmet. Wisconsin law requires all riders to wear helmets. Wearing your helmet sets a good example and could save your life and theirs.
Seatbelts play an equally important role. These simple restraints are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury in a crash, yet they are often ignored. In 2024, 79% of UTV riders involved in fatal crashes were not buckled in.
Just like wearing helmets and seatbelts, taking a safety course from the DNR is important for responsible riding. Safety classes exist because the consequences of a mistake can be severe, and training gives riders the skills they need to avoid dangerous situations.
Other key safety tips:
- Slow Down: Riding too fast reduces the time needed to react, and this increases the likelihood of a crash.
- Wear Protective Gear: Another way to prevent serious injuries is to wear protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, and sturdy boots.
- Prevent a rollover: These vehicles are built to handle only a certain amount of weight and a specific number of riders, and exceeding those limits can make them harder to control and increase the risk of a rollover.
ATVs and UTVs have become a familiar part of life in Green County, but it’s important to take safety seriously. Together, seatbelts, helmets, and safe riding habits can prevent injury and death. As outdoor activities ramp up for the summer, putting on a helmet or taking a few minutes to go over the rules might seem small, but those simple steps can make a real difference in preventing a crash. To learn more about ATV/UTV safety classes and regulations, visit the WI DNR website.
— Ellie Lombardo is the Public Health Educator for the Green County Public Health Department and can be reached at elombardo@greencountywi.org or 608-328-9509.
