Wisconsin ATV Fatalities Reach 15 in 2026 as New Seatbelt Law Takes Effect
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin has recorded 15 ATV and UTV fatalities so far in 2026, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The latest count, released June 3, represents a pace that has drawn increased enforcement attention across the state, including in Price County’s extensive trail network.
The DNR’s Think Smart Before You Start safety campaign runs June 5–7, deploying additional conservation wardens and county recreation deputies on trails and routes. The campaign targets speeding, operating under the influence, and seatbelt and helmet compliance.
“Wisconsin continues to see a rising number of injury and fatal ATV and UTV crashes,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “We are asking our wardens and law enforcement partners to increase patrols to deter illegal and unsafe operation.” Ripsaw Saloon in Prentice is right on the ATV trail — gas, food, and drinks.
Of the 15 fatalities this year, a majority occurred on public roadways. The DNR does not release specific incident locations or victim details in its statewide summaries, but Price County’s 200-plus miles of ATV trails make trail safety a local priority.
Seatbelt Mandate Now Law
As of June 1, Wisconsin Act 114 requires seatbelt use in all UTVs operated on public roadways. Previously, seatbelts were recommended but not mandated. The law change came after years of safety advocacy and follows a 2025 season in which 42 people died in ATV and UTV crashes statewide.
The new requirement applies to all UTV occupants, not just the operator. Wisconsin defines UTVs as side-by-side off-road vehicles weighing 3,000 pounds or less, distinct from single-rider ATVs.
Failure to wear a seatbelt in a UTV on a public road now carries the same penalty structure as other ATV/UTV safety violations, with fines up to $326.
Safety Tips for Price County Riders
The DNR recommends all ATV and UTV riders follow these core safety practices:
- Always wear a helmet and seatbelt (in UTVs)
- Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Complete an ATV safety certification course
- Stay on designated trails and routes
- Supervise young riders and match vehicle size to operator age
- Check trail conditions before heading out
Price County maintains one of Wisconsin’s largest ATV trail systems, connecting communities from Park Falls to Prentice, Ogema to Phillips, and linking to the Tuscobia State Trail and Flambeau River State Forest routes.
See also: our ATV trail guide for Price County, our guide to free camping in Wisconsin, our 48-hour Price County itinerary, what makes Price County communities special and our guide to Price County public records
See also: our weekly trail conditions report
See also: our guide to every town in Price County
See also: our Price County hiking trail guide
Correction Note
Editor’s note, June 6, 2026: An earlier version of this article referenced a specific fatality in Price County that the Price County Sheriff’s Office has since stated it has no report of. That article has been removed. The current article relies exclusively on verified DNR statewide statistics and does not include unverified incident-level claims. We regret the error.
Sources
- Wisconsin DNR, ATV/UTV Riders: Be Safe This Memorial Day Weekend, May 22, 2026 (release #124261)
- Wisconsin DNR, ATV/UTV Riders: Be Aware Of Increased Law Enforcement This Weekend, June 3, 2026 (release #124891)
- Wisconsin State Legislature, Wisconsin Act 114 (UTV seatbelt requirement), effective June 1, 2026
- Wisconsin DNR, ATV Crash Incident Reports
- Price County Forestry & Parks Department, ATV Trail Map