Wisconsin Ag Connection - It's Been a Deadly Month for ATV Users

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It's Been a Deadly Month for ATV Users
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/16/2012

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Bureau of Law Enforcement is investigating the death of a Jefferson County man who became the state's third all-terrain vehicle fatality case in the past month. Authorities say the victim died Sunday from injuries suffered when he lost control of the ATV he was operating on private land. Last month, an adult and a child were the victims in two previous fatal ATV incidents in Lafayette and Calumet counties on April 8 and 9.

State ATV Safety Administrator Gary Eddy, who is also a conservation warden, says the all-terrain vehicle is a popular choice among all ages because it can be fun but also a helpful work tool that requires safety skills. But he adds that it might be a good idea to sign up for a safety class first.

"If you are at least 12 and born on or after January 1, 1988, you must have completed an ATV safety certification course to operate an ATV on public riding areas - including trails, frozen waters, routes, permitted county and/or forest lands and more," Eddy says. "You must carry your safety certification card and display it to law enforcement officers when requested. Utility Terrain Vehicle operators must also complete an ATV safety certification course if they are at least 16 and born on or after January 1, 1988."

For children under 12 years of age, the certificate does not become valid until the child reaches 12 for ATVs and 16 for UTVs. Students with special needs must contact the instructor at least two weeks in advance of the course to request special accommodations.

The three fatalities so far this year occurred on private lands. Last year, Wisconsin saw 16 fatalities involving the use of an ATV.

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