One thing I thought of was that when the car was stopped, why did she continue walking ahead rather than going back to the main road where they turned off onto the dirt road. She didn't know what was ahead but she knew they had turned off pavement and that's where help would have seen her as they drove by. Having been in that area many times I can't believe someone would get themselves in that situation.
With the younger generation growing up with technology, I'm afraid no one eventually will be able to read a map or use common sense. They assume that the instrument they're using is 100% accurate.
Maps in your vehicle can save your life.