Stuck in the Mud: Lessons Learned from Scout 4WD Training
Recently, while facilitating some Scout 4WD training, we were on a drive to check out road conditions and discuss obstacles and how to either divert around them or move them. I found myself stuck in the mud. This was not intentional at all, and by no means was I going through there to show off in the mud. I had decided to follow another vehicle that had larger tyres and a bit more vehicle clearance than mine. I looked at his line and decided not to follow his direct line, knowing all too well that I would get hung up in his tracks. The line I took was extremely soft, and I ended up in the hole created by the previous vehicle anyway. Hung up on the chassis of my Nissan, I soon had to put out a call for help across the two-way radio.
Firstly, I was recovered quite quickly. By the time the other lead trainer came to my rescue, I had already attached my recovery gear. This is part of what we also teach in our Scouts 4WD training courses: 4WD etiquette. Using your own gear when you are stuck ensures that when it either breaks or becomes filthy with mud, the responsibility is on you to clean and/or replace it.
Secondly, it was a great opportunity to discuss how quickly things can go wrong. Quite often, you will hear about someone driving into an area to do an activity, then it happens to rain quite heavily, and quickly the area becomes a swamp of mud. Whether you’re in a 2WD or 4WD, you can become stuck from simply losing available traction on the slippery surface. It can turn your planned day out into a different scenario.
Knowing what you can do and having someone with available resources to assist is a big help. If you do not know, you may have to wait a few days for the area to dry out a bit so you can drive out. Leaving your car in an area not heavily populated may lead to vandalism, so that may not be an option. There are a few businesses around that will come and do vehicle recoveries; a quick search on the web will help you find someone who may be able to assist.
If you are planning a trip into an area you have not been before and can identify that the weather may change while you are there, I would recommend finding out from the locals about the type of soil and how likely you would be to become stuck. In my case, I was in an unfamiliar area working with a local who knew all about the type of country we were in. Though the weather didn’t change, we did find an area that was boggy with lots of standing water around. I was fortunate to have someone with me to assist in recovery. If I didn’t, I would have been generally stuck there until I could find assistance.
Preparation and planning is the key to a great 4WD adventure.
