MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is taking extra steps to prevent off-road vehicle accidents as deaths are on the rise.

DNR reports show that 25 people have died from ATV and UTV crashes in Wisconsin between January 1 and July 28, putting the state on track to surpass last year’s total of 40 deaths. The ages of riders killed ranges from six to 97 years old.

“The majority of our injuries are happening because people are choosing not to wear a helmet or a seatbelt,” Jacob Holsclaw, a conservation warden who leads the DNR’s off-highway vehicle program.

DNR increases safety efforts as off-road vehicle deaths rise

Testifying before the Natural Resources Board on Wednesday, Holsclaw said that 85% of fatal ATV and UTV accidents occurred when riders weren’t wearing

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