Minnesota’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

Here are the stretches of road that are known for turning into nightmares when SHTF in the North Star State:

1. I-94 Between Minneapolis and St. Cloud

This artery is notorious for whiteout blizzards and multi-car pileups. It’s a main corridor, so it’s often jammed with traffic during evacuations. One stalled semi here during a snowstorm, and you’ve got a parking lot for miles.

2. Highway 61 Along the North Shore

A beautiful drive in summer, but during icy storms or landslides from spring thaw, this road can become blocked or collapse altogether. Limited turn-offs and few gas stations add to the danger.

3. I-35 Near Duluth

Steep grades and lake-effect snow make this area a hazard zone in winter. If a tanker jackknifes here during a disaster, good luck getting out fast.

4. Highway 2 Through the Iron Range

This remote highway cuts through miles of isolated terrain. In a wildfire or grid-down event, getting stranded out here can leave you helpless unless you’re prepared.

5. County Road 8 in Beltrami County

Flood-prone and poorly maintained, this road has eaten more tires than I care to count. Add heavy rain or washed-out culverts, and you’re stuck in the swamp.

6. MN-36 in the Twin Cities Metro

This is a commuter’s nightmare on a regular day. In an emergency? It’s gridlock hell. It bottlenecks near Stillwater, especially during bridge closures.

7. Highway 169 in Southern Minnesota

Flat, exposed, and prone to blowing snow and drifts. Visibility can drop to zero, and locals know to avoid it in winter—outsiders might not.

---

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

Whether you’re facing down a tornado, bugging out after a grid collapse, or escaping wildfires, your vehicle is only as useful as your ability to drive it under stress. These 15 skills can keep you alive:

1. Defensive Driving Under Duress

Know how to anticipate panic drivers and avoid pileups. Most people freeze or slam the brakes. Stay smooth, stay alert.

2. Navigating Without GPS

Cell towers fail. Learn to read a map and use a compass. Keep printed maps of your region and alternate routes in your glove box.

3. Driving with Limited Visibility

Fog, snow, smoke—disasters impair vision. Use fog lights, drive slow, crack a window to listen for hazards, and follow road contours.

4. Off-Road Navigation

Dirt roads, fields, frozen lakes—when pavement fails, you’ll need to take the road less traveled. Practice in a safe place before you need to do it for real.

5. Tire Repair and Inflation on the Fly

Carry a patch kit, plug kit, and portable air compressor. Knowing how to plug a tire in minutes is a lifesaver.

6. Fuel Management

Keep your tank above half at all times. Know your fuel economy, range on reserve, and where gas stations are off the main drag.

7. Escape Maneuvers

Learn how to break through roadblocks or ditches without rolling your rig. Practice hard turns, J-turns, and evasive braking in safe areas.

8. Braking on Ice or Wet Roads

Pumping brakes on ice vs. ABS braking—know the difference and how your vehicle behaves. Practice sliding recoveries in a snow-covered parking lot.

9. Tactical Parking

Never park head-in during a disaster. Park for a fast exit, with the nose pointing out. If you’re bugging out, seconds count.

10. Driving Through Water

If you must ford water, know your vehicle’s wading depth. Drive slow, steady, and don’t stop mid-crossing unless you want to be swimming.

11. Winching and Towing

A winch and tow straps are gold. Learn how to use them safely. Practice snatch recoveries with a buddy before disaster strikes.

12. Spotting and Avoiding Road Hazards

Broken asphalt, downed power lines, and abandoned vehicles can trap you. Know how to spot danger ahead and steer clear.

13. Silent Driving

Turn off music, avoid honking, and drive with stealth in hostile zones. Useful in post-disaster looting scenarios or civil unrest.

14. Vehicle Camouflage

If it’s really bad, black out lights with red film, remove visible decals, and drape camo netting over your car when parked.

15. Driving with Injuries

Know how to operate your vehicle with one arm or leg in a worst-case scenario. Modify seat positions and practice using hand controls if needed.

---

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Running out of fuel during a disaster is not just an inconvenience—it could kill you. Here are 3 last-ditch hacks I’ve used in the field:

1. The Camp Stove Siphon Hack

Got a camp stove that uses white gas or Coleman fuel? You can mix small amounts with what’s left in your tank (older vehicles only). Filter through a shirt to remove particulates. Use only in emergencies and only if your engine is not high-compression.

2. Alcohol Burn Trick

In extreme cold, windshield washer fluid with high alcohol content can keep your fuel system alive. Add it only in small amounts to dilute water in the tank, not as a fuel source. Also works to keep lines from freezing temporarily.

3. Gravity Siphon from Abandoned Vehicles

Use clear tubing and a plastic bottle to start a siphon from another car. Bite the tube, lower the bottle below tank height, and let gravity work. Always check for pressure systems—newer cars may need a hand-pump siphon.

---

Closing Thoughts

Disasters don’t care how new your SUV is or whether you’ve got a Bluetooth infotainment system. When hell breaks loose, it’s about fundamentals: terrain, timing, and tenacity. Minnesota’s roads can turn savage fast—from sudden floods to snarled exits during a wildfire. But with the right knowledge, preparation, and vehicle discipline, you can drive your way out of almost anything.

Make no mistake: the most important gear you’ll ever carry is between your ears. But backed with good tools, sharp instincts, and hardened skills, you won’t just survive—you’ll escape.