That might be true in fairly populated areas and even less populated agricultural areas, but out west, or in some of the northern border areas one can go days and days without hitting an obvious "border" or civilization. without being well-equipped & experienced, or being just plain lucky, things go go real bad real quick.

Take the James Kim situation for example, even if he'd headed off on day #1, when he was in top health, could he have really "walked out" without getting REALLY lucky and stumbling upon an inhabited area or traveled road? I've looked at maps of the area and I really don't think so. Others who have spent time in that area may have a better sense of it than me though.

Maybe I don't put enough faith in the Human will to survive.