OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It is expected to be a busy weekend for outdoor fun, and that includes hitting the trails on ATVs and UTVs.
But it can also be deadly. So far this season, 11 people have died in ATV-related crashes. Forty-seven people died in all of last season.
“Labor Day gets huge for riding around the state, especially in northern Oconto County. Everything from Green Bay up, they’ll be riding around,” said Mike Malueg, Red Arrow Snowmobile/ATV Club Trail Boss.
Malueg tells FOX 11 the trail system in the area is in good shape, but there are more ATVs and UTVs than ever before.
“Everything from an ATV, a small ATV, to a six-seater that are almost as long as your pickup truck — and they’re all using the trail at the same time.”
He says some Oconto County roads are open to ATVs and UTVs, and crashes do happen.
“We’ve had a few accidents, and I hope we don’t see any more,” said Malueg.
The Department of Natural Resources tracks the crashes, and its information indicates that over the last 10 years, about half of the fatal incidents were alcohol-related. Wardens say drivers should have a pre-ride checklist.
“Have you slept well? Are you injured? Have you eaten well that day? And then safety equipment: helmets, seatbelts, goggles, depending on the conditions,” said Marcus Medina, DNR Recreation Warden.
Medina tells FOX 11 some of the crashes involve drivers losing control, causing a rollover.
“What we really preach is that safety equipment and making sure you’re comfortable, confident and riding to your experience level.”
Malueg agrees.
“Everybody’s got a little learning curve there, including the driver of the automobile, or trucks. There’s big logging trucks up here. There’s everybody interfacing. So, you really need to be careful on the roads.”
The ATV-UTV season typically wraps up by the end of October.
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