MADISON, WI- A new Wisconsin law requiring all occupants of a UTV to wear seat belts takes effect June 1, and conservation officials say the change could help prevent serious injuries and save lives.
Under the updated law, both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts while operating or riding in a UTV. Previously, state law required passengers to be buckled up, but did not clearly state that drivers were included.
Wisconsin DNR Warden Mark Schraufnagel said the change removes any confusion and ensures everyone inside a UTV is subject to the same safety requirement.
“Now it says driver and occupants,” Schraufnagel said. “Now the driver and all occupants have to be wearing seat belts.”
Schraufnagel said one of the most common factors in serious UTV crashes is riders being thrown from the vehicle.
“When we see accidents on UTVs, we see people, if they’re not wearing their seat belt, being ejected,” he said. “Bad things happen once they’re ejected.”
He noted that seat belts help keep riders inside the protective structure of the vehicle, especially during rollovers.
“If that vehicle tips or rolls, we want you positioned in that vehicle so you’re not outside of it and getting injured,” Schraufnagel said.
The warden believes many riders simply aren’t taking the extra few seconds to buckle up before hitting the trail.
“We just need to get in that mindset, no different than we are with motor vehicles,” he said. “Take that extra five or 10 seconds and buckle up.”
Another new law taking effect June 1 requires ATV and UTV riders to wear eye protection unless the vehicle is equipped with a windshield. Acceptable eye protection includes sunglasses, prescription glasses, goggles, or a face shield.
Schraufnagel said the rule is designed to prevent dust, bugs, and debris from interfering with a rider’s vision.
“If you get something in your eye, that’s going to be a problem for you to maintain control of that vehicle,” he said.
State officials hope the new regulations will improve safety as UTV use continues to grow across Wisconsin’s trails and road routes.
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