Iowa Saw a Rise in ATV and UTV Rider Fatalities in 2024

Iowa is a great state for ATV and UTV riders, offering tons of off-road areas and trails tucked in between the endless miles of farmland. That said, the Hawkeye State’s rise in popularity with recreational riders has unfortunately come with a troubling rise in safety issues, with an increase in rider fatalities to 20 last year.

In 2022, Iowa lawmakers passed a bill that legalized ATV and UTV use on most public roads, with the exception of highways and interstates, which some officials think is partially to blame for the problem. Before the law passed, there were nine rider deaths in 2020, which dropped to four in 2021. After the bill’s passage in 2022, that number jumped to 12, where it stayed in 2023 before another big increase in 2024.

Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Alex Dinkla said, “When we look at ATVs and UTVs and where their primary use is supposed to be—off-road, on trails, on the farm, in that rugged terrain at low speeds—that’s when they’re safest. Most of these crashes involve people driving way too fast, not clearing intersections, or running stop signs. We need to make sure people are adhering to the laws.”

Dinkla noted that those fatality numbers don’t include riders killed on private property or trails, only roadways, saying, “Twenty fatalities—that’s scary.” While the road-use law may change if deaths remain elevated, the current rules require riders to be 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. They are limited to a 35 mph top speed, must use headlights at all times, and may not drink alcohol while riding.

Want to stay up to date on the latest UTV Driver news and reviews? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!