The Pierce County ATV/UTV Association (PCAA) would like to remind ATV and UTV riders of the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts while riding. Any person under 18 must wear a DOT approved helmet for both ATV and UTV. Seat belts are required to be worn by all passengers in a UTV. 
Seventeen people died in ATV/UTV crashes in Wisconsin in the first nine months of 2022. Most crash victims were not wearing seat belts or helmets.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 71% of fatally injured ATV riders were killed in crashes involving no other vehicles. Helmets and seatbelts dramatically reduce the chance of serious injury, especially in single vehicle crashes. Protect yourself and loved ones by always wearing a helmet. It’s the single most important piece of protection an ATV or UTV rider can wear.
Wisconsin law requires ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for an ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) must complete an ATV safety certification course to operate in Wisconsin (exception: on private property owned by operator's immediate family). These safety courses can be taken online or in person.
Every occupant riding in a UTV must be seated with a seatbelt fastened in a manner prescribed by the manufacturer. No passenger can ride in or on any part of a UTV that is not designed or intended to be used by passengers. You cannot ride in the back storage box areas, sitting on someone's lap or on the roof.
Wisconsin law also requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials. Operators must submit a written report to the DNR within 10 days of the incident.

In addition to wearing helmets and seat belts, follow these very important provisions for a safe ride:

• Headlights on at all times
• Obey all traffic rules and regulations
• Use extra caution when operating on pavement
• Always operate at a responsible speed and within your abilities
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride
• Consider wearing protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and long sleeves when applicable

For more information about ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv You can also visit the Pierce County ATV/UTV Association at https://piercecountyatv.org/

Submitted by Pierce County ATV/UTV Association