Connecticut’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: What Every Survivalist Needs to Know
By a well-traveled survivalist
I’ve driven through blizzards in the Yukon, dust storms in Arizona, and hurricane-wracked roads in the Florida Keys. But there’s something deceptively dangerous about Connecticut’s roadways when disaster strikes. Maybe it’s the compact geography, the dense population, or the way ice and flooding can quickly turn small towns into logistical nightmares. Whatever the cause, if you’re caught unprepared behind the wheel in the Nutmeg State during a natural disaster, you could find yourself in serious trouble.
I’ve compiled this guide from experience, long hours on the road, and conversations with emergency responders. These are the worst roads to be caught on during a disaster in Connecticut—and more importantly, how to drive your way out of it when things go south.
Connecticut’s Worst Roads in a Disaster
1. I-95 Coastal Corridor
From Greenwich to New London, I-95 is a nightmare on a good day. In a disaster, it’s a trap. Flooding near Bridgeport and New Haven can turn it into a stagnant river of metal, while panicked drivers clog lanes in both directions. Hurricane evac? Don’t count on it here.
2. Route 15 (Merritt Parkway)
Scenic, yes. But it’s also narrow, winding, and full of low bridges that can block larger emergency vehicles. Trees fall easily here, and there are limited shoulder areas for pulling over.
3. I-84 Through Waterbury
Waterbury’s mix of steep terrain and aging infrastructure makes I-84 especially risky. During winter storms, black ice builds up fast, and in floods, runoff from surrounding hills can reduce visibility to nothing.
4. Route 2 Eastbound Out of Hartford
This key evacuation route bottlenecks quickly. Poor lighting and outdated exits become hazards in any emergency.
5. I-91 North of Hartford
Once you’re north of the city, you’re looking at long stretches with few exits. If you’re boxed in during a crisis, options to escape are limited—especially with flooding from the Connecticut River.
6. Route 44 in the Northwest Hills
Gorgeous country, but terrible during storms. One mudslide or fallen tree and you’re trapped for miles. I’ve seen deer, moose, and even bear crossings shut this road down without warning.
7. Route 8 Through Torrington
This road twists along river valleys and steep hills. In a heavy storm, rockslides are a real threat. Avoid it if you can.
8. Route 7 Through Ridgefield and Danbury
Flood-prone and crowded, this road often suffers from fallen power lines and poor drainage.
9. I-691 to Meriden
Short but critical. Any backup here during a crisis renders Meriden’s surrounding roadways almost impassable.
10. Gold Star Memorial Bridge (New London/Groton)
Bridges are always a risk in high winds or earthquakes. This one is a major artery that becomes a choke point fast.
15 Survival Driving Skills to Get You Through Hell
Disaster driving isn’t just about knowing the map—it’s about mastering your vehicle like it’s an extension of your own instincts. These are the skills that could save your life:
- Situational Awareness
Know your exits. Know your surroundings. Know what’s ahead and what’s behind. Keep your eyes scanning and your mind ahead of the curve. - Reverse Driving
Practice driving in reverse at speed—navigating obstacles or escaping a blocked path might require it. - Manual Override Knowledge
Know how to override your vehicle’s electronics—especially keyless ignitions, gear shifts, or electric brakes. - Off-Road Navigation
Even if you drive a sedan, learn how to handle light off-road conditions. Avoiding a pile-up might mean taking to a sidewalk or field. - Defensive Driving Under Pressure
Don’t just anticipate—act. Most people freeze or hesitate during emergencies. Your decision-making needs to be second nature. - Panic Stop Techniques
Know how to safely stop on ice, mud, gravel, and wet asphalt. ABS won’t always save you. - Engine Braking
Use your transmission to slow down on steep grades when brakes might overheat or fail. - Bridge and Overpass Evasion
Learn to avoid high bridges and flyovers during earthquakes, floods, or high wind warnings. - Map Memory
Don’t rely solely on GPS. Keep paper maps handy and know key evacuation routes by memory. - Escape Window Protocol
Always carry a glass breaker. Practice breaking out a side window—yes, practice. Don’t wait until you’re underwater. - Fuel Efficiency Driving
In disaster mode, fuel is precious. Drive conservatively—coast when possible, avoid idling, and stay in the most efficient gear. - Low-Light Maneuvering
Practice driving at night with minimal lighting. Use your mirrors. Understand how shadows affect depth perception. - Vehicular First Aid
Keep a trauma kit, but also know how to treat exhaust burns, glass cuts, or injuries from airbags. - Basic Engine Troubleshooting
Learn how to jump-start, bypass a fuel relay, and handle a blown fuse under pressure. - Vehicle Camouflage
If you’re in a breakdown situation near dangerous areas (urban looters, for example), knowing how to conceal your vehicle with tarps, mud, or debris might buy you time or keep you from being targeted.
3 DIY Gas Hacks When You’re Bone Dry
Running out of gas in Connecticut’s cold or during a state-wide evacuation is a worst-case scenario. But I’ve been there—and here are three hacks that might keep you moving.
1. Siphon the Right Way (Even Without a Hose)
Keep a food-grade plastic bag and a strong straw in your kit. Insert the straw into the donor tank, seal the bag around the neck, and use air pressure to force fuel into a container. Crude, but effective in a pinch.
2. Alcohol Fuel Substitution (In Emergencies Only)
In small amounts, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can be used in gasoline engines as a short-term fuel extender—especially if mixed with what little gas remains. Not ideal, but I once got 5 extra miles using this.
3. Hidden Reserve Trick
Many cars have fuel left in the lines even after stalling. Let it rest, then try restarting with a feather-light throttle. This can sometimes give you just enough juice to roll off the highway or reach higher ground.
Final Word From the Road
When it comes to survival, the vehicle you drive can be your lifeline—or your coffin. Connecticut’s mix of old infrastructure, heavy population, and volatile weather means that one blocked route can cascade into region-wide chaos. I’ve seen drivers abandon cars on flooded highways, panicked and without a plan. Don’t be them.
Whether it’s dodging power lines on Route 15 or negotiating sheet ice on I-84, your mindset matters more than your horsepower. Stay sharp, stay calm, and treat every mile like a mission.
Because when disaster hits—you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training.
Train smart.
Drive like your life depends on it.
Because one day, it just might.
TheDailyChristian 