Washington’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

Some roads are always a gamble—even on a clear day. During a disaster? They can turn into a death trap.

1. I-5 Through Seattle and Tacoma
When the quake hits or the power goes out, this artery becomes a clogged vein. Overpasses are vulnerable, exits get jammed, and you’ll be boxed in by people who panic and freeze.

2. U.S. Route 2 (Stevens Pass)
A beautiful drive on a sunny day. But in winter or a landslide? It’s a cold, steep, slippery coffin. If you’re heading over the Cascades, know the risks.

3. SR 410 (Chinook Pass)
High elevation and prone to avalanches and rockslides. This scenic route turns deadly fast with little warning.

4. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway)
The long, winding remoteness of this route makes rescue nearly impossible. If you’re up there during a fire or snowstorm, you’re on your own.

5. I-90 Snoqualmie Pass
It’s the main east-west lifeline, but it clogs like bad plumbing under snow or seismic stress. Bridges could drop, and rockfall is a real hazard.

6. SR 14 Along the Columbia River Gorge
One side is rock, the other is water. Landslides, windstorms, and floods are all fair game here.

7. SR 18 Between Auburn and North Bend
It’s already notorious for fatal accidents. Add bad weather or panic evacuations, and you’ve got a mobile junkyard waiting to happen.

8. SR 530 (Oso Slide Area)
This one already proved its danger. Soft soil, heavy rain, and steep hills mean slides are always possible.

9. U.S. Route 101 on the Olympic Peninsula
One way in, one way out. If a tsunami is coming after an offshore quake, this road will be buried or jammed.

10. Any Coastal Route in Grays Harbor or Pacific Counties
These roads are flat, low, and isolated. If you’re not already headed inland when the sirens go off, you’re probably too late.

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15 Survival Driving Skills to Master

Now, surviving a disaster on wheels isn’t about horsepower or luxury. It’s about grit, smarts, and skill. Here are 15 driving techniques that could save your life:

1. Off-Road Navigation Without GPS
Learn to read terrain and use topographic maps. When cell towers go down, you’ll need old-school navigation.

2. Rock Crawl With Precision
If landslides leave rubble, knowing how to ease over rocks without damaging your undercarriage is key.

3. Tire Plug and Inflation On the Go
Know how to plug a puncture and re-inflate using a portable compressor or even a CO2 inflator.

4. Water Crossing Technique
Don’t just gun it through. Learn to walk it first, gauge depth, and drive slow and steady.

5. Quick Reverse Under Pressure
Practice backing out of tight, sloped, or crumbling spaces without losing control.

6. J-Turn or Bootleg Turn
This can be a lifesaver if you need to reverse direction in a blocked or hostile road.

7. Braking Without ABS
If your systems go down or you’re in an old rig, know how to pulse-brake and steer under pressure.

8. Using Your E-Brake for Controlled Stops
In brake failure situations, the emergency brake can save your life—if you know how to feather it properly.

9. Stealth Driving at Night
Low beams, no interior lights, coasting when possible. In hostile zones, stealth wins.

10. Making a Roadblock-Ram Decision
Sometimes you don’t have time to go around. Learn to identify what you can push through with minimal damage.

11. Weight Distribution Awareness
Know what’s in your rig and how it affects your handling—especially with gear shifting during rough terrain.

12. Improvised Traction (Sand, Logs, Chains)
Use floor mats, branches, chains, or even seat cushions to gain traction in mud, ice, or snow.

13. Manual Fuel Siphoning (Legally and Ethically)
Desperate times. Learn how to do it without ingesting fumes or damaging tanks.

14. Riverbank Exits and Entry Points
Know how to scout and safely ascend or descend riverbanks in case bridges are out.

15. Group Convoy Tactics
Know how to drive in a group without becoming a liability. Signals, spacing, and roles matter.

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3 DIY Gas Hacks When the Tank is Bone Dry

Running out of gas in the middle of a crisis is more common than people think. Here are three unconventional—but survival-tested—methods to get a few more miles when options run out.

1. Rubbing Alcohol Fuel Boost
In a pinch, you can mix up to 10% isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) into a mostly full gas tank. It’s volatile enough to combust but should only be used temporarily. Don’t overdo it—this is emergency-only and works best in older engines.

2. Fuel From Lawn Equipment or ATVs
Most people overlook their shed or abandoned properties. Lawnmowers, snowmobiles, generators—they all carry small gas reserves. With a siphon hose and some patience, you can build up enough to make it to a safe zone.

3. Build a Gravity-Feed Tank From Salvage
If your vehicle’s fuel pump is shot or power is gone, rig a gravity-fed tank from an elevated container (like a 2-gallon jug). Mount it above the engine bay and run fuel directly into the carburetor or throttle body. This only works for older or modified vehicles—fuel-injected systems may require bypassing electronics.

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Final Thoughts from the Road

Disasters don’t care if you drive a Tesla or a Tacoma. When the infrastructure crumbles and the roads go quiet, survival favors the prepared and the practiced.

In Washington, the odds of being stranded in a snowstorm, fire zone, or post-earthquake wasteland aren’t far-fetched—they’re forecasted. Your best asset is not just your gear, but your head and your hands.

So don’t just drive—train. Know your rig like you know your rifle. Know your route like you know your bug-out plan. And most of all, know that when rubber meets the road, it’s up to you to make it out.

Because out here, survival isn’t a hobby. It’s the reason you’re still breathing.