I’ve seen roads that chew tires like stale jerky, highways that turn into parking lots during hurricanes, and backroads where GPS gets you killed. But nowhere quite matches the unpredictable cocktail of terrain, weather, and infrastructure decay you’ll find on Pennsylvania’s worst roads during a disaster.
I’ve been up and down this state more times than I can count—bugging out from Philly riots, cutting across the Alleghenies during winter blackouts, even towing a broke-down Ford out of a Susquehanna flood zone. So when I say Pennsylvania’s roads can kill you if you’re not prepared, I mean it literally.
Let’s break down the worst offenders, give you some hard-earned survival driving skills, and toss in a few gas hacks you’ll thank me for when the pumps run dry.
The Worst Roads in PA During a Disaster
1. I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway – Philly)
Locals call it the “Surekill” for a reason. During any major disaster—be it a snowstorm, protest, or chemical spill—you’re crawling at 5 mph. Collisions are common, and escape routes are limited. The shoulder? Nonexistent in some areas.
2. I-78 Through Berks and Lehigh Counties
When the snow hits, this becomes a graveyard of jackknifed semis. With poor visibility and heavy freight traffic, you better know how to maneuver or you’ll end up part of the wreckage.
3. Route 222 (Lancaster to Reading)
Rural traffic meets sudden urban congestion. This road gets slick fast and is prone to flash flooding in low-lying farmland areas. When farmers bug out, they bring big machines—and they’ll clog up these narrow lanes.
4. PA Turnpike (Especially the Tunnel Sections)
Tunnels like Allegheny and Tuscarora can become traps during earthquakes, fire, or even just a multi-car pile-up. And let’s not forget the cash-only exits—ever try bartering jerky for a toll? Doesn’t work.
5. Route 22 (Central PA near Altoona)
This road is a mess in winter. Ice, fog, and steep curves make for lethal conditions. If you’re not ready for low visibility and tight maneuvering, stay off.
6. I-95 in Delaware County
Gridlock heaven, even on a good day. One overturned truck and you’re stuck with nowhere to go. Add panic evac traffic? Forget it.
7. Route 33 near Wind Gap
When winds scream down the mountains, semis start dancing. I’ve seen campers rolled like dice on this stretch.
8. I-81 Through Scranton
Trucker central and full of steep grades. One fuel shortage and the whole artery clogs with stalled rigs and desperate drivers.
9. Route 30 Through the Appalachian Foothills
Beautiful, sure—but it’ll get you killed if you’re not paying attention. Fallen trees, rockslides, and zero cell signal in spots.
10. Kelly Drive – Philadelphia
Scenic and suicidal during flooding. This road turns into a river every other big storm. Locals sometimes risk it, and they often regret it.
15 Survival Driving Skills to Master Now
- Throttle Control on Ice
Ease into the gas. Hammering it just spins tires. Survival driving is about finesse, not force. - Threshold Braking
Master this on wet asphalt. It’s that fine line between locked wheels and total stop. Crucial during fast-developing pile-ups. - Handbrake Turning
Sometimes a 3-point turn gets you killed. A handbrake pivot can swing you 180 in seconds on gravel or ice. - Engine Braking on Descents
In mountainous terrain like the Laurel Highlands, use low gear. Don’t ride the brakes—you’ll cook ’em before you reach the valley. - Spotting Escape Routes
Constantly scan for drainage ditches, medians, and off-road paths. Sometimes you go through a field, not around it. - Driving in Convoys
Keep radio contact. Maintain enough space to swerve if the lead car gets ambushed—or crashes. - Navigating Without GPS
Old-school maps never run out of batteries. Know the stars, know the sun, and read the land. - Reverse Maneuvers Under Stress
Practice backing up full speed, around bends. You’ll need it in alleys or tunnel retreats. - Driving With a Trailer
Evac with a bug-out trailer? Learn how to reverse it properly—especially in tight spots. - Night Driving Without Lights
Use night vision if you got it. Otherwise, drive under starlight to avoid detection. - Spotting Road Hazards
Sinkholes, black ice, and fallen power lines are all over PA. Keep your eyes moving, and trust your gut. - Wading Across Flooded Roads
Know your vehicle’s fording depth. When in doubt, don’t. Most cars get swept in less than 2 feet of water. - Changing a Tire Fast, in the Dark
Practice this blindfolded. One flare or flashlight gives away your position. Silence and speed are life-saving. - Driving with Broken Windows or No Windshield
A shattered front glass can blind you. Keep goggles in your kit and know how to clear glass safely. - Reading Tire Tracks
You can tell what passed before you—how recently, how heavy, and how fast. Useful for tracking—or avoiding—others.
3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas
- Siphon the Smart Way
Carry a hand-pump siphon. Look for stranded vehicles (RV parks are goldmines). Newer cars have anti-siphon valves, so know where to puncture the fuel line if needed—just don’t light a smoke while doing it. - DIY Alcohol Fuel
You can burn high-proof alcohol (like Everclear) in small quantities in older engines or multi-fuel vehicles. Filter it through a rag and pour small amounts mixed with regular gas. Not ideal—but it’ll get you moving. - Gravity Feed System
If your fuel pump dies, mount a gas can on your roof or roof rack and gravity-feed it to your carburetor (won’t work with fuel injection unless modified). Emergency-level stuff, but it’s saved my bacon once in West Virginia.
Final Word from the Road
Pennsylvania isn’t the easiest state to drive through on a sunny day—let alone when the sky’s falling, the roads are crumbling, and people are panicking. But survival isn’t about convenience. It’s about being ready when others freeze, flee, or fail.
Your vehicle is your lifeline—but only if you treat it like your rifle or your firestarter: with knowledge, respect, and readiness. Know the terrain, master the skills, and for the love of all things diesel, keep your tank half-full at all times.
Whether you’re dodging a storm, a riot, or just plain bad luck, remember: roads don’t kill people. Unprepared drivers do.
TheDailyChristian 