Delaware’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Road Guide
When the sky turns black and the wind howls like a wild beast, the first thing most people think is: How do I get out? That’s a good instinct—but if you’re not prepared for what lies ahead on Delaware’s worst roads during a disaster, you could be driving yourself straight into a coffin.
I’ve traveled every back road, main artery, and washed-out path from the Appalachians to the Gulf, and let me tell you: few things are as deceptively dangerous as Delaware’s roadways during a crisis. You might think a small state means small problems. Think again. Between the flooding, high winds, coastal surges, and a few poorly planned escape routes, Delaware turns into a death trap when Mother Nature gets moody.
So if you want to survive, you’d better know which roads to avoid, what skills to hone, and how to make your vehicle keep going even when your gas tank taps out. Here’s your survivalist’s guide.
Delaware’s Most Dangerous Roads During a Disaster
- Coastal Highway (Route 1)
This scenic stretch may offer views of the Atlantic, but in a storm surge, it disappears under water faster than a stone. Coastal Highway is notorious for flooding. Avoid it at all costs during hurricanes or Nor’easters. - US-13 (DuPont Highway)
While it’s a major evacuation route, it becomes easily congested and riddled with accidents under pressure. One breakdown and you’re boxed in. Bad visibility and panic drivers make this stretch treacherous. - Route 9 (Bay Road)
Flanked by marshlands and low-lying terrain, Route 9 is practically a canal waiting to happen. In heavy rain or tidal flooding, this road is impassable. - I-95 Around Wilmington
Under normal circumstances, I-95 through Wilmington is a mess. Add disaster conditions—power outages, debris, or civil unrest—and you’ve got a rolling parking lot with nowhere to run. - Kirkwood Highway (Route 2)
Overbuilt and underprepared for high volumes during an emergency, this road becomes a choke point, especially if bridges are compromised. - Route 404 Westbound
This is a prime evacuation road for beachgoers—but a single stalled car or overturned truck can shut it down. During an emergency, this road is as reliable as a paper umbrella in a monsoon.
15 Survival Driving Skills to Master Before a Disaster
Driving in a disaster is more than stepping on the gas. It’s knowing when to hit the brakes, when to go off-road, and how to keep your vehicle and yourself alive. Here are 15 must-have survival driving skills:
- Flood Navigation
Learn to gauge water depth. Six inches of water can stall a car, twelve can carry it away. Know when to power through or back off. - Manual Shifting Knowledge
In an emergency, you may end up in an old stick-shift vehicle. Know how to drive manual—no excuses. - Brake Modulation
Understand how to gently apply pressure during rain or gravel to prevent skidding. ABS doesn’t solve everything. - Tactical U-Turns
Practice making sharp, efficient turnarounds in tight spots. Seconds count in a crisis. - Obstacle Evasion
Learn to maneuver around debris quickly and safely. High-speed steering without flipping is a skill that could save your life. - Off-Road Techniques
Gravel, mud, and field driving techniques are essential. You might have to leave the pavement behind. - Tire Repair and Change
Know how to patch, plug, or fully replace a tire without needing roadside assistance. - Fuel Efficiency Tactics
Learn to drive economically—no heavy acceleration or braking. This extends your range when gas is scarce. - Driving Without Headlights
In a blackout or stealth scenario, you may need to run dark. Practice using low-light tactics and night vision driving. - Use of Maps and Compasses
Don’t rely on GPS. Learn to navigate with a paper map and a compass when satellites fail. - Winching and Vehicle Recovery
Know how to use a winch, traction mats, or tow straps to get unstuck. - Driving with Compromised Vision
Smoke, fog, or mud on the windshield—know how to keep your bearings when you can’t see much. - Engine and Battery Basics
Being able to diagnose common engine issues or jump a dead battery could be the difference between escape and entrapment. - Driving Under Stress
Practice staying calm in high-pressure situations. Panic leads to poor decisions and fatal outcomes. - Emergency Signaling and Communication
Use your vehicle to signal for help or coordinate with others without electronics.
3 DIY Gasless Driving Hacks That Actually Work
Let’s face it. You’re going to run out of gas eventually. It’s a matter of when, not if. Here are three DIY survival hacks to keep you moving:
1. Siphon Like a Pro
In desperate times, you can’t be squeamish. Use a clear tube and a container. Insert one end into the gas tank of an abandoned vehicle (assuming it’s ethical and necessary), the other into a container. Suck until the fuel flows, then let gravity do the rest. Pro tip: If you carry a siphon pump, you never need to risk getting a mouthful of gas.
2. Convert Small Engines into Backup Power
Got a lawnmower engine or portable generator? In a pinch, you can use it to power a makeshift electric drive for small-scale movement or charge your car’s battery if you’ve converted to electric. This is advanced, but if you’re crafty with wiring, it’s not impossible.
3. Gas from Unexpected Sources
Don’t overlook boats, lawn equipment, RVs, or even emergency roadside vehicles. Boats especially are often fueled and forgotten. Use your siphoning skills, but be aware: old fuel may be degraded. Consider carrying a small inline filter or fuel stabilizer packet in your bug-out bag.
Additional Road Survival Tips for Delaware
- Always carry a paper map of the state and its neighboring ones. GPS may not work when towers go down.
- Keep a storm-proof firestarter, compact stove, and MREs in your trunk. You may be sleeping in that car.
- Don’t forget water jugs and a life straw. Delaware’s low-lying areas may flood, but potable water will still be scarce.
- Bring boots and a poncho. If you abandon your car, you better be ready to walk through hell to get to safety.
Final Thought from a Survivalist
I’ve driven out of war zones, over frozen tundras, and through jungles that swallowed whole convoys. Delaware may not look like a warzone—but in a full-blown disaster, its roads can become every bit as deadly. Whether it’s a hurricane, grid failure, or a full societal collapse, survival favors the prepared.
If you’re reading this, you’ve got time. Use it. Scout your routes, master your vehicle, and above all—respect the road. It doesn’t care about your plans, your GPS signal, or your prayers.
But if you’ve got the skills, the mindset, and the drive (literally), you’ll make it out. And when you do, don’t forget the ones who didn’t prepare.
TheDailyChristian 