Interesting reply

Que Sera, Sera QED

Sounds like the author suffers 'cotton wool' or 'everyone else' syndrome. Even the most knowledgeable and very best prepared can come unstuck. The great Malcolm Douglas was one such, as was Steve Irwin in another environment. These people were "lucky" :Talawana Track Fire, as were the well-prepared Zavros family.


It's an old argument - how much preparedness, knowledge and repair skill is enough? How many spares do you need to carry? How much medical knowledge should you have? Should only mechanics with SAS level survival skills be permitted to drive in remote areas?

Like snake and shark deaths etc, dangers exist but are MASSIVELY exaggerated by some.

Whether limp mode adds to the risks is questionable but I can say unequivocally that when I was looking for a replacement vehicle a few years ago one of the reasons I didn't consider a Ford Everest was the Ad Blue limp mode - as unlikely as running out or damaging the reservoir was.

Let's face it. In raw numbers, it's far more dangerous to drive on city streets and highways, work on farms etc - and even more dangerous to sit around doing nothing. Come to think of it, it's also more dangerous to live in the country due to a relative lack of local support systems.

Who puts who in danger? Limp mode?
OK Ill bite... a bit long winded - but dont expect any solutions or 100% relevance to every case out there and we dont need any more "regulations" but....

There you have it - the "average Joe"!! Joe these days is quite isolated from nature, the land, practical endeavours, and true adventure. It may be too harsh stating they go because they "want" to rather than "need" to. I'm all to aware they have a choice. Im going to be a bit analyitical here but 30 odd years ago I spent 10 years running outdoor adventure programmes and therapeutic diversionary programmes for Offenders, Youth at risk, special schools and families in crisis. While I could write a book on the therapeutic value of wilderness experiences....especially de-stressing people, but also in teaching young people the skills and abilities they will need as well balanced adults. Most city people never really get the chance to grow up with this stuff.

The point here is that more and more people are escaping the cluttered urban environment and all its stress, structure and confusion for ones soul/psyche to "get away from it all". It is just how far one has to go now to escape "everything" - remote areas tick quite a few boxes for what I'd now call it a need! (To be alone/away from distractions/ to be in AWE of nature or whatever else a person calls "some headspace").

Judging by the mental health crisis modern society is experiencing and unprecedented suicide rates - many people really do need to get out of the city for their own health and wellbeing! I have always maintained that Adventure is a basic human need in terms of mental health, learning experiences and becoming a balanced and competent adult human being. The problems we are seeing here relate to these would be adventurers having started a bit late in their development.

So what is putting "average joe" into a life threatening situation - really?

1/ Overinflated confidence in their vehicle - as television marketing and advertising makes the vehicles look far more capable and reliable than they are and the purchaser knows no different.
2/ A lack of preparing or "knowing" their vehicle, basic mechanical nouse or an understanding of the basic laws of Physics. ("Hey that looks a bit heavy/this thing can handle corrugations/...but they said x psi in the tyres would be ok etc etc)
3/ Most importantly a very limited knowledge of themselves. This often relates to individuals making bad calls, not knowing their own capabilities and limitations or simply not being able to think things through.
4/ Time issues - they rush, can't relax and dont know when to stop!

You cant stop people from having freedom and you can't make the bush safe and vehicles will always have problems at the worst time according to Murphys Law.....and we dont need more rules.
The fix?
Personally I dont think there is a humane solution - too many people, too much propaganda in advertising, too few open and unstructured places near towns left now for people get away from it all close to home. Hence they go remote.

Training courses FOR SOME would help but some competencies and behaviours are acquired at an early age through play and experiences.
Remaining calm in a crisis, having faith in oneself, improvising , bush mechanical skills, lateral thinking and making good calls are things not easily taught in a few days on a 4wd course...

People just need to get their kids out a lot more and be good practical mentors so the next generation is a bit smarter when in the bush.

I wouldn't go anywhere without a code reader for your vehicle, you never know when your vehicle will throw a code and put you into limp mode, whether it be in the middle of the Canning or Main Street in any city, at least you have the ability to check and reset the code and MAYBE get going again, without having to call the Rescue or service company.