Horrifying reality if a driver breaks down on Death Valley road in America
Breaking down anywhere isn't ideal, but breaking down in one of the hottest places in the world that's in the middle of nowhere is downright dangerous.
The fact this vast desert national park is named 'Death Valley' only makes experiencing car trouble there more ominous, as on top of temperatures soaring up to 49°C, there's terrifying creatures and gas-filled mineshafts to worry about.
Honestly, it doesn't sound worth the trip.
But despite the risks a road trip to Death Valley National Park in Eastern California comes with, swathes of people still find themselves steering down the 140 mile-long road to take in the extraordinary sights.
Advert
Situated in the heart of the southwestern desert of America are more than 300 miles of paved roads, 300 miles of 'improved' dirt tracks and several hundred miles of unmaintained 4x4 roads.
As I'm sure you can tell, you cover quite a lot of ground if completing the entire route.
A straight run
There's one particular stretch that is infamous for all the wrong reasons - as drivers have to navigate a 200km road which doesn't have a single turn in the midst of the northern Mojave Desert.
Due to the unpredictable weather and stifling heat which the valley is famed for, combined with the lack of phone signal and being so far away from help, this is one of the worst places in the world where you car could pack in.
Rugged terrain in a barren landscape which doesn't have road signs doesn't exactly bode well for most cars, and there's no chance of you contacting the AA in somewhere like Death Valley.
It certainly makes a change from constantly stopping at red lights and having someone driving right up your arse, but zooming down there without being prepared suggests you might have a death wish.
Still, apparently the views of the extraordinary landscape and the serenity of an open road is something which people are willing to risk their lives for.
Death Valley checklist
Visitors who dare to explore Death Valley are warned to bring maps incase their GPS fails, make sure their air conditioning is in check, as well as concisely checking the weather conditions before venturing out into the wilderness.
The National Park Service (NPS) warns: "Things can go wrong quickly in the backcountry. Pre-trip planning could save your life.
"Bring basic tools, a shovel, extra water, and food with you. Top off your gas tank before starting a trip."
Rangers say that flat tires are the most common problem which motorists run into while adventuring, which they put down to the rough road conditions and people having unsuitable tires.
The NPS advises: "Make sure your vehicle is equipped with 'off-road' tires rather than highway or street tires. Carry at least one inflated spare tire (preferably two), a can of fix-a-flat or tire plug kit, a 12-volt air-compressor, a lugwrench, and be sure all parts of your jack are on hand. Know how to use your equipment before you head out."
But if your tyre does go kaput or your vehicle breaks down, they suggest you should stay inside of your car.
As we all know, Coolio was the only guy who could walk through the valley of the shadow of death and make it through unscathed.
What to do if you break down
The website explains: "On main roads, another traveler should come along sooner than you could walk for help. Leave the car's hood up and/or mark the road with a large X visible to aircraft.
"If you decide to walk out, stay on the main roads-do not cut cross-country. If it's hot, walk out only if you can carry sufficient water and wait until after sundown. Leave a dated note describing your plan with your vehicle.
"Dial 911 in case of emergencies, but remember, cell phone reception is non-existent in most areas of the park. Towing charges are high and AAA often doesn't cover tows on dirt roads."
Cars can also simply overheat as the sun scorches down on them, while crashes are also common.
"More people die in single-car accidents than by any other means," park rangers claim.
"To avoid an accident, follow the speed limits, shift to a lower gear on steep downhill grades, and wear your seatbelt."
The reality of the situation is, if you break down you're stranded in the desert with little chance of getting any help, it's too dangerous to tackle the route on foot and you might pass away from heatstroke or environmental exposure.
From 2010 to 2020, 41 people died in Death Valley - including seven being due to weather-related health problems, 14 due to motor crashes, four from falls and one from drowning.
If anyone still fancies heading there, you can count me out.
Olivia Burke