As residents and summer visitors alike enjoy Wisconsin’s trails and backroads, officials in that state are reminding utility terrain vehicle, or UTV, riders to focus on safe operation – starting with the simple step of wearing a seat belt.

Wisconsin has recorded 23 fatal UTV/ATV crashes so far in 2025. Only five of those individuals were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

UTVs have also been involved in the majority of fatal ATV/UTV incidents this year – accounting for 86% of all fatalities.

“UTVs are designed with key safety features, like roll cages and seat belts, that are there to protect riders in the event of a crash or rollover,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “But those features can only help if they’re used.”

Unlike traditional ATVs, UTVs are equipped with seat belts for all passengers. Proper use of seat belts significantly reduces the risk of being ejected during a crash, a leading cause of serious injury or death in off-road vehicle accidents. But that’s not all — it’s the law. In Wisconsin, all UTV passengers are required to wear a seat belt.

“While these numbers are concerning, they also highlight a clear opportunity for prevention,” Holsclaw said. “Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe while riding.”

Officials also remind parents and guardians that Wisconsin law restricts youth UTV use. Operators must be at least 16 to operate a full-size UTV in public areas. ATV/UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and at least 12 years of age must complete a DNR-approved safety course.

A recent story by Nick Rommel of Wisconsin Public Radio states that some of the deaths this year came during recreation, others during farm work or transportation. But in at least 17 cases, the person hadn’t completed ATV/UTV safety courses. Five victims were age 18 or younger.

For more information on ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin, including how to sign up for a safety class, go to the DNR’s ATV/UTV webpage, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv.