The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and county sheriff deputies put their efforts together for the fifth-annual Think Smart Before You Start ATV/UTV safety campaign over the recent Labor Day weekend. In a concerted effort to emphasize safe recreational vehicle use, law enforcement personnel engaged with over 1,600 riders and operators, sharing crucial safety guidelines and regulations. This push for safety emerges amid data pointing to 34 fatal ATV and UTV crashes in Wisconsin this year - the majority involving individuals not wearing seatbelts or helmets, with alcohol and speed frequently playing a part.
"Crash and injury data show all riders need to wear helmets and seatbelts. They truly do save lives," said Lt. Jake Holsclaw, who holds the role of Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, in a statement acquired by Wisconsin DNR. Despite the educational tone of the campaign, some incidents called for arrests due to operators driving under the influence. Nonetheless, the primary focus was to educate, and not to simply penalize, as reflected by the numerous educational warnings disseminated to stress safety's indispensable role.
The Labor Day enforcement action highlighted the most common violations, which consistently include failing to wear a helmet, neglecting to use a seatbelt, and the illegal operation of vehicles on highways. To advance safety awareness and operational competence, ATV and UTV enthusiasts are encouraged to complete an online safety course, a resource for which can be found on the DNR Safety Education webpage.
Wisconsin not only demands that any operator involved in a crash report the incident immediately to law enforcement, but it also requires a written report of the incident be submitted to the DNR within 10 days.
