While the prime summer months might have passed, there’s still plenty of time to take ATVs and UTVs out on the trails this year.

But the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds ATV/UTV operators to make sure they are riding safely.

That means wearing a helmet and seatbelt, staying sober and following posted regulatory signs on roadways, the DNR states in a news release.

Twenty-six people have died in ATV/UTV accidents in Wisconsin so far this year, ranging in age from 4 to 79 years old. Five of those fatalities took place within the past two weeks, including one just a week ago in Marinette County.

To reduce the risk of a crash or fatal incident, operators and passengers should always follow basic off-road vehicle safety rules, including riding sober and wearing a helmet on ATVs/UTVs and a seatbelt on UTVs, the DNR advised. At least 18 of the ATV/UTV victims this year were not wearing a helmet, and more than half of the UTV victims were not wearing a seatbelt, according to the DNR. Anyone younger than age 18 is required by law to wear a helmet on an ATV or UTV, whether driving the machine or riding as a passenger. All passengers, regardless of age, must wear a seatbelt when riding in a UTV.

It’s also important to follow regulatory signs on road routes, including stop signs and speed limits, and the machine’s occupancy rules. More than half of fatal crashes this year have occurred on roadways, including on public roads closed to ATV/UTV traffic, and vehicle occupancy was exceeded in several crashes, according to the DNR.

More DNR conservation wardens and local law enforcement will be on trails and routes statewide starting today and through the weekend for an additional Think Smart Before You Start campaign to increase safety for all.

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’s Safety Education webpage.

Wisconsin law requires every operator involved in a crash 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, go to the DNR’s ATV/UTV Riding in Wisconsin webpage at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv.