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Had they had stopped for lunch and were eaten by Bears, would everyone fault then for not carrying a gun? Judging from the other posts, probably so.

If they were in certain areas in Alaska, then definately so. Similarly, if they were traveling in snowy mountains in winter they will be faulted for not carrying suitable gear to keep them from getting stuck, and suitable gear to allow them to survive if they do.
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Interstates are still no excuse to not have chains, blankets, etc. in the car during Winter driving.

Amen.
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Even if they did carry a survival kit, and arctic sleeping bags, and a PLB and a Sat Phone and a hand cranked charger for their cell phones and a .45 with plenty of ammo, they could have driven off the shoulder and plunged into the canyon to their deaths.

Again, we are supposed to forego preparations for a likely scenario because we can't possibly be prepared or prevent every single possible type of disaster? This seems to be a recurring theme on this thread. I really don't know what to make of it.
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What key cheap no-excuse-to-not-have-in-any vehicle item or tool if he had with him could have made a difference.

I re-read Doug's analysis and, aside from a PLB, he also recommends carrying a well-stocked survival kit, CB radio, cell phone chargers, food and water, a mapping GPS, some form of heater, and suitable clothing. The only thing I saw no mention of that I would absolutely carry for winter mountain travel is tire chains. I would add that if you are not going to carry the other gear, then you damn well better carry the PLB. One wrong turn too many and you are gonna need it.