State ATV officials hope to curb a quick climb in the number of ATV deaths in Wisconsin. Four people have died so far this year. One death was a Rhinelander man in an ATV crash near Merrill.
DNR Warden and ATV Administrator Gary Eddy says with summer here, more people will be on the trails. He says in some cases some people with limited experience will be driving....
"....inexperienced people out there operating...they don't have the necessary safety certificates. All operators that are at least 12 or born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 are required to hold ant ATV safety certificate from this state or any other state..."
Eddy says a helmet is the best way to survive a crash...
"....traditionally over the last several years, no surprise that the vast majority of our fatal accident victims were not wearing helmets. That's very unfortunate. Some of the accidents were very minor rollovers and something that the person could have easily survived..."
In 2012, 14 of the 15 fatal crash victims were not wearing a helmet. He says stay on your side of the trail. Eddy says speed is often a factor in crashes. He says not having any alcohol in your system when driving is just as important on an ATV as it is when driving your car.