In the American southwest there's hundreds of miles of roads, dirt tracks and unmarked off-road routes to get you across a part of the world that's thought to be the hottest place on Earth during the summer.
This, of course, is Death Valley, 3,000 square miles of desert so named after a group of people headed for California in the winter of 1849 to 1850 feared the place was so inhospitable to humanity that they'd die there.
In the end, only one of their group did perish but the place's fearsome name and reputation has stuck.
Advert
Temperatures in Death Valley can soar to incredibly unhealthy levels for any humans in the area and yet it's a decently popular road trip spot for people looking for a new adventure.
Of course, with newer technology and travel methods you should be fine as long as you prepare, but what happens if your car breaks down and leaves you stranded in the middle of the desert?
.jpg)
How to prepare for Death Valley
Visitors who dare to explore Death Valley are warned to bring maps in case their GPS fails, make sure their air conditioning is in check, as well as checking the weather conditions before venturing out into the wilderness.
Advert
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."
This all seems like sensible advice that basically anyone could think of, but you'd be surprise how often people fall foul of simple issues.
Rangers say that flat tires are the most common problem that motorists run into while adventuring, they put it down to the rough road conditions and people having unsuitable tires for the terrain.
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."
Advert
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.
.jpg)
What to do if you break down
The first thing to do is follow the main advice from The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, namely 'don't panic'.
Advert
The NPS website explains what you should do instead whether you want to stay with your vehicle or try and walk back to civilisation.
They say: "On main roads, another traveller 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.
Advert
"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.
Additional words and especially that one excellent Coolio reference by Olivia Burke.
Joe Harker