I wonder if she ever heard of compasses and topographic maps. No, I dont’t mean an “app” for a smart phone.
rip the mirror off and use to signal..
How about ‘when the road starts to disappear into the vegetation turn around and head back?’
You are correct, living in a rural area, databases can be marginal.
A map is very important.
Arrogance or stupidity?
Young people are all too trusting in technology.... and don’t want to hear about any old map thing.
No kidding, I don't leave home without them. I live in a very rural area near four national parks, visitors often get lost here using their GPS which shows a road that is actually a foot trail over a 13,000' pass into wilderness.
Per Yoda, “The stupid is strong in this one.”
When I go off road I have food and water. I also know where the hell I am at. I also carry an aviation phone and if every needed can contact aircraft that monitor emergency frequency 121.5 and I also know the frequencies that ATC is using for these same aircraft. They can call for help.
When I worked in Wyoming in the oilfields in my car was food and water, and a good sleeping bag. Never needed to use it but if stranded I would have survived for days until help arrived. Also of great importance is to have a full tank of gas when you go off road. If your needle gets down to half a tank you should have already turned around.
Each winter people would die that were stranded due to mechanical failure of their vehicle. Oddly enough it was always relatively close to a well traveled road. They always thought they could walk the 10 or so miles to the road and get help. If you have proper clothing you can do this. If you do not the Wyoming blizzards will kill you.
If you are going off road someone must know where you are going and when to expect your return. That is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Wyoming does not kill you but stupidity will.