Increased ATV/UTV enforcement coming as Wisconsin has seen 31 fatalities in

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin has seen 32 fatalities from all-terrain and utility task vehicles this year and the DNR says that it will have additional law enforcement officers over the Labor Day weekend.

Eighteen of the fatalities were on UTVs and 14 on ATVs across the state with the most recent being two accidents on Aug. 17, including a UTV collision with a motor vehicle in Wilson and a 24-year-old passenger who was ejected from a UTV in Lafayette County.

"This is trending in the wrong direction as we continue to see an increase of injury and fatal ATV and UTV crashes – with plenty of riding season left this year," Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, said in the enforcement announcement. "A large percentage of injury and fatal crashes involve riders not wearing helmets or seatbelts, operating without completing a safety course or with some level of impairment. I can’t stress enough that the public needs to regulate themselves every time they go out riding."

The DNR officers will be monitoring safety equipment, Operating While Intoxicated and other driving issues such as speeding.

The DNR maintains a list of fatalities on ATVs and UTVs in the state that includes where the operator had safety certification, if alcohol was involved and whether a helmet or safety belt were being used.

This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com.