With the Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start to the summer, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are teaming up to encourage safe driving, towing and boating through the season.

“Wisconsin roads welcome travelers to explore the beauty in every corner of our state and connect outdoor enthusiasts to our lakes and rivers, creating unforgettable memories and adventures throughout the summer,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said in a news release. “… Whether traveling by road or enjoying time on the water, we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and those around us safe.”

The public should expect and plan for heavy traffic on highways throughout the state in the coming months, with many drivers towing boats — many headed to northern Wisconsin, perhaps even the Upper Peninsula.

WisDOT and the DNR encourage all travelers and outdoor enthusiasts to ensure they’re safely and respectfully sharing the state’s roads, launches and waters with others.

“With over 15,000 lakes, Wisconsin offers some of the best and most varied boating opportunities in the country,” Wisconsin DNR Secretary Karen Hyun said in the release. “As we welcome another boating season, it’s important we remember that these wonderful natural resources belong to all of us. Whether you’re towing on the highway, putting in at the launch or cruising across your favorite water, be safe, be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to other users.”

The WisDOT and DNR recommend:

Drive safe

Distracted driving and speed are top factors in summer crashes, contributing to more than 8,500 crashes on Wisconsin roads from May through September last year. The faster the vehicle is going, the longer it takes to stop and the harder it is to maintain control. Driving too fast can be especially dangerous when towing. Motorists are reminded to follow speed limits and adjust for conditions such as inclement weather and work zones. To check traffic conditions on a planned travel route in Wisconsin, go to with 511.wi.gov.

Cell phone use is a major cause of distraction, but anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road puts that person and others at risk. Always stay alert behind the wheel.

Summer is often a time for celebrations, so can see an increase in impaired driving fatalities. Impairment decreases a person’s ability to safely drive a vehicle or boat. Plan ahead for a sober driver and make responsible choices to prevent crashes.

Tow safe

Drivers hauling a boat, trailer or camper should make sure everything is in good mechanical condition and safely secured before heading out on the roads.

“Even if you are a seasoned traveler and have towed a trailer for years, going through a safety checklist every time before hitting the road is still critical at every experience level to keep our roads safe,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said in the news release.

Be sure to check the vehicle, trailer and towing connection, including the lights, chains and tires to ensure a safe trip. Drivers should also double-check that any items loaded into a trailer, truck bed or boat are properly secured. Debris on the road can lead to crashes and damage to other vehicles. All items must be securely fastened with rope, netting or straps or covered with a tarp. Be sure the vehicle is not overloaded and items will not shift while traveling.

Boat safe

Wisconsin’s waterways and boat launches are popular shared public resources, especially during the busy summer boating season. The DNR asks all boaters and waterway users to make safety their highest priority this season and be respectful of others on the water and at the launch.

Some simple ways boaters can keep themselves and others out of harm’s way include —

— Sign up now to take an online boater education course.

— Always wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket when on or near the water. A life jacket will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpower you or you fall out of a boat.

— Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Just like with a car, alcohol blurs a person’s judgment, slows reaction time and impairs abilities.

— River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual’s boating, paddling and swimming skills.

— Keep an eye on the weather and always tell someone where you are going.

— Create a float plan and tell people when and where you plan to depart and return before going for a float or paddle.

A majority of the 2025 boating-related fatalities in Wisconsin involved a victim who was not wearing a personal flotation device or PFD. Additionally, alcohol consumption continues to be a contributing factor in many incidents.

The DNR reminds boaters to check the required on-board safety equipment is functioning before leaving the dock. Once on the water, remain alert to other vessels while obeying all water navigation rules. This includes maintaining safe distances from others and from shore and being mindful of the wake the boat creates.

When the day is done, boaters should remember to inspect boats and boat trailers, remove aquatic hitchhikers and drain all water before leaving the boat launch to prevent the spread of invasive species. Doing so doesn’t just protect Wisconsin waters – it’s state law.

Learn more about boating safety on the DNR’s Boating Safety webpage, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Boat/safety.