When faced with a difficult shot, the way golfers assess the situation is usually the determining factor between a successful shot and a dreaded big number. Careful course management and proper set up based on the shot will guarantee success for any precarious situation.
This video golf lesson demonstrates how even on a difficult fairway bunker, properly examining the shot will prevent high numbers in your game.
Rather than using a 6-iron or 7-iron that you would normally use on a shot that distance, the high lip of the bunker requires a club with more loft such as a 9-iron. Using this club will more likely get the ball out of the bunker, and, at worst, you will face a bogey.