New Direction Driving School

05/29/2026

The new Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ATV / UTV lawbook is out. The photo goes over some of the key changes. Based on some of the posts we have read online, we wanted to help clarify a few things.

Number 4, careless operation causing property damage may cost 3 times the repair cost is designed to help small townships go after riders choosing to destroy unpaved roads / parking lots.

Number 10, No towing people on trails / routes, this doesn't apply to towing machines that have people on / in them. Here is the actual code:

NR64.07(6) TOWING OF OBJECTS. While operating an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle, no person may:

While operating on a trail or route open to the public, tow any trailer, toboggan, sled, skis, bicycle, skates or toy vehicle, bearing any person. This paragraph does not apply to the towing of a disabled all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

The school season is winding down but here’s your reminder that students are back in school and buses are back on the roads after the extended weekend.

Please follow posted speed limits in school zones and remember to stop at least 20 feet from buses with their red lights flashing. Drivers going in either direction must stop for school buses. The only exception is if you are traveling on the other side of a divided road that’s separated by a median or other physical barrier.

05/27/2026

Do you know what to do if your vehicle gets stuck or stalls on the tracks?

1️⃣ Get out immediately — even if you do not see a train.
2️⃣ Get away from the tracks and move far away from the crossing.
3️⃣ Find the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign.
4️⃣ Call the number on the sign and provide the crossing ID number.

No sign? Call 911.

Know the facts. Make safe choices. Share this important rail safety message.

05/22/2026

HAPPENING NOW: Click It or Ticket.

The national mobilization campaign continues through May 31. Law enforcement from around the country are stepping up seat belt enforcement to remind drivers that seat belts save lives.

05/22/2026

As we head into the holiday weekend, we encourage everyone to take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

While you’re out enjoying time with family and friends, please help us keep our community safe:

Buckle up
Drive sober
Slow down
Stay alert on the water
Put the phone down

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

05/22/2026

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are teaming up to encourage safe highways and waterways this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer:

Drive safe:

✅ Buckle up, phone down
✅ Drive sober
✅ Slow down

Tow safe:

✅ Secure your trailer loads with rope, netting or straps
✅ Check your trailer is working properly (lights, inflated tires, bearings/axles, etc.)
✅ Make sure your ball and hitch are securely latched and connect safety chains of proper length to prevent wildfires

Boat safe:

✅ Boat sober
✅ Wear proper-fitting life jackets
✅ Share boat launches and be respectful of no-wake zones and other boaters

We can all play a role in safely enjoying the great outdoors this summer! Read more: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/news-rel/052126-drive-tow-boat-safe.aspx

05/19/2026

This week — and every week — let’s give EMS crews a hand. 🚑⚠️ Slow Down or Move Over for all flashing lights and give them room to work on the roadside.

Protect the people who protect you.

05/19/2026

WisDOT and Governor Tony Evers recently announced the 2026 Rustic Roads Guide is now available!

Available in print and online, the free guide showcases WisDOT’s 126 designated and marked Rustic Roads, which are lightly traveled, scenic routes throughout the state. The guide also details the state’s five Scenic Byways, which are non-interstate highway routes primarily along Wisconsin waterways.

As the temperatures warm up, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore our beautiful state! Read more and order a guidebook: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/41620dc

05/19/2026

Click It ot Ticket

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office will join law enforcement agencies across the state and nation to promote seat belt use and remind drivers of the lifesaving benefits of buckling up. The Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign runs from May 18-31 this year.

“Buckling up is a simple action drivers and passengers can do to stay safe on the road,” Dodge County Sheriff's Office said. “Wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives during a crash.

During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we join officers throughout the state stepping up seat belt enforcement and education to prevent tragedies on our roads.”

Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to protect drivers and passengers from injury or death in a crash. In Wisconsin, preliminary numbers show 145 drivers and passengers who died in crashes in 2025 were not wearing a seat belt.

Wisconsin’s primary seat belt law allows law enforcement to stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a seat belt. Penalties are higher for transporting unrestrained children and passengers can also be cited. Failure to fasten a seat belt is among the most common traffic violations in Wisconsin.

“Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — should make buckling up a habit,” Dodge County Sheriff's Office said. “Traveling on the road without a seat belt is dangerous. We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up and help us keep the roads safe.”

The Click It or Ticket campaign coincides with the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which is the first long holiday weekend of summer. The roads are especially busy during this season, so officers will be out encouraging motorist to wear their seat belts.
For more information on Click It or Ticket, please visit nhtsa.gov/clickit.