While law enforcement efforts are most visible on public roadways, the Wisconsin DNR wants ATV and UTV riders to know that they, also, can expect enhanced enforcement during the Labor Day weekend.
The “Think Smart Before You Start” campaign will have conservation wardens and county recreation deputies patrolling trails and routes on a unified mission of accident prevention by monitoring for illegal and unsafe operation. The motivation is clear: so far in 2026 there have been 31 ATV / UTV fatalities and 66 self-reported nonfatal accidents.
One of those incidents was in Campbellsport on January 3rd when a 57-year-old man was ejected from his ATV after failing to control the machine and struck a curb. He was wearing neither a seatbelt nor helmet when the accident occurred.
DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, Jacob Holsclaw, said “I can’t stress enough that the public needs to regulate themselves every time they go out riding.”
More information is available through the DNR’s website.
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