Well don't slow down when crossing mud holes. People trying to be extra careful and slow down in the middle of the pond and get stuck. Pick up speed so even if your tires start slipping momentum carries you. When coming out of the hole even if you have to floor it do it. Carry a shovel in your trunk. I also throw in a bag of sand/grovel mix (dual purpose item I use it on the shooting range as gun rest). There is this nifty tool I picked up from a catalog: foldable mini ramp about 8 inches wide, 2.5 feet long. . It is used for getting out of the snow. I will place them under my wheels to get a better grip and it works. I also carry rubber boots when off roading so I can put them on just in case I need to get out. I also carry towing rope and a hand winch. I wanted to get electric one mounted but it would be stolen in NYC. In Africa to get out of the mud we used to cut bushes and branches to place them under the car wheels all of that done doging elephant who got angry that we came into his territory.

Matt