WHAT IF?
Every year, we hear stories of stranded motorists who, for one reason or another, end up in a situation that culminates in a fatality. Although we’d like to think we’d never end up in a similarly grim position, the people who actually found themselves in those circumstances probably assumed the same thing. Our overreliance on the GPS systems found on our phones or in our vehicles, as well as the belief that we can “just call someone” whenever we need to, has made us a little too complacent in our preparatory measures. If those luxuries proved to be out of service or just plain useless and your vehicle broke down in a remote location, what — besides luck, hope, and instinct — do you have to rely on to help mitigate a bad situation?
The Scenario:
SITUATION TYPE
Stranded on a remote dirtroad
YOUR CREW
You and your adolescent son
LOCATION
Rural New Mexico
SEASON
Winter
WEATHER
Cold; high 60 degrees F, low 24 degrees F
The Setup: You’ve decided to take your 12-year-old son on his first hunting trip in rural New Mexico. The ranch you’re headed to doesn’t publicize its whereabouts. Only a select few people know of this location since it’s invite-only, but you were able to make the arrangements through a friend who hunts there regularly. He provided the GPS coordinates and contact info for the owners who don’t live onsite. There’s no one else staying at the ranch, but you do have access to their facilities, food, and have key codes to enter and exit. This trek is several hours from your home in Texas, but you figure the road trip will give you some bonding time with your son and provide a chance to enjoy the scenery. The closest major city is about four hours away and the closest major highway is about a two-hour drive from the location where you’ll be staying. There’s a long, unmarked, unpaved road that leads from the main highway to the ranch. You’re all packed up with your firearms, clothing, and some snacks and drinks for the drive. Your assumption is that if you get lost, you’ll be able to call the property owners for directions or clarification.
The Complication: As you approach the ranch down the long, winding road and the sun begins to set, your cell phone’s map app tells you’re about an hour from the location. Then, the unthinkable happens. Your truck’s engine suddenly loses power, clunks loudly, and then shuts off. You step out of the cab to find a long trail of oil and metal chunks on the road — there’s no way this engine will be taking you any further. You still have about a half tank of gas and the truck’s battery is good.
Since you’re a considerable distance from the ranch or the highway, you’re not sure if you should risk walking either direction in the dark.