An interesting topic. I have only two points. Firstly - what is common sense? What is obvious to one person is (due to lack of experience, life skills, etc) not so obvious to another person. That is why people use tow balls as snatch points.

Secondly, many comments througout this topic speak about training and education, which I agree with completely.

And that ponders a question of you all though. How many of you have actually completed a FORMAL and ACCREDITED 4WD course? Some club training would be included - but with most clubs it is "Off road familliarisation Training" rather than an accredited course. Better than nothing - but still not accredited.