Ohio’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Ohio, Ohio Survival Preppers, Ohio's Worst Roads to DriveLeave a comment

Ohio’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster
Written by a Well-Traveled Survivalist

I’ve spent years charting backroads, crawling through mud-slick forest trails, and navigating disaster-struck towns from the Gulf to the Great Lakes. But nowhere tests your grit like Ohio when nature—or chaos—comes knocking. Between Lake Erie storms, industrial accidents, train derailments, and winter whiteouts, Buckeye roads can turn deadly fast.

Now, I’m not talking about a pothole here and there—though Lord knows Ohio’s got those in spades. I’m talking about roads that become death traps when the grid fails, GPS dies, and panicked drivers clog every escape route like ants fleeing a flood.

If you want to survive when the power’s out, water’s rising, or the sky’s turning green, you need to know where not to drive—and more importantly, how to drive when disaster strikes. Below are the worst roads to avoid in Ohio during a disaster scenario, 15 survival driving skills to get you through hell and back, and 3 DIY driving hacks for when you’re flat out of fuel and time.

Ohio’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

1. Interstate 71 (Cincinnati to Cleveland)

Sounds like a solid escape route, right? Not during a crisis. This highway runs through Columbus, one of Ohio’s most congested urban areas. During an evacuation, it clogs up like a backed sewer. Add a winter storm or mass panic and you’ve got an open-air parking lot stretching for miles.

2. Interstate 75 (Toledo to Cincinnati)

I-75 is infamous for multi-vehicle pileups in fog, rain, and snow. This highway cuts through Dayton—an area prone to tornadoes and flooding. Avoid it if the weather’s turned or the state’s issued a major emergency.

3. U.S. Route 23 (Columbus to Toledo)

Route 23 becomes dangerously slick in icy conditions and is one of the first to close when weather takes a turn. It also runs parallel to active rail lines, making it risky during train derailments or chemical spills.

4. Interstate 480 (Cleveland area)

In an urban disaster, this heavily trafficked highway near Cleveland becomes a choke point. Accidents on overpasses or bridges can trap you fast, especially during snow or ice storms.

5. State Route 2 (Sandusky to Cleveland)

This road hugs Lake Erie, and in a storm surge or polar vortex, it’s as treacherous as they come. Winds whip across the lake, snow drifts swallow cars whole, and visibility drops to near zero.

6. Appalachian Routes (SR-78, SR-56, SR-93)

Ohio’s Appalachian counties are rural, rugged, and stunningly beautiful. But during a disaster? Twisting two-lane mountain roads become slippery, isolated deathtraps with poor cell reception and limited rescue access.

7. Interstate 270 (Columbus Outerbelt)

In a mass-evacuation, this beltway around Columbus is gridlocked in minutes. If you’re not out ahead of the pack, you’re stuck.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Might Save Your Life

  1. Terrain Scouting
    Don’t rely on GPS. Study topographic maps and understand elevation, flood zones, and alternate rural routes.
  2. Night Navigation Without Headlights
    Use moonlight and silhouette driving to evade detection in hostile situations or urban unrest. Practice in safe, dark areas.
  3. Engine Quieting
    In stealth situations, you may need to run your engine intermittently. Learn how to muffle noise with insulation or by coasting.
  4. Brake Feathering
    Master the art of slowing without flashing your brake lights—essential in a stealth convoy or if being followed.
  5. Improvised Traction
    Stuck in mud or snow? Use your car’s floor mats, branches, or gravel to regain traction.
  6. Driving in Reverse at Speed
    Learn how to maneuver your vehicle in reverse under control. Can save you when a dead-end or ambush blocks the road.
  7. Two-Wheel Off-Road Navigation
    If you don’t have four-wheel drive, learn how to modulate throttle and steering to limp through dirt roads or grassy fields.
  8. Reading Smoke and Sky
    A change in wind or the color of the sky can tell you where not to go. Drive upwind of smoke and avoid valleys during fires.
  9. Mirror Discipline
    Cover or remove mirrors when parked in dangerous zones to prevent glints from giving away your position.
  10. Quick U-Turns
    Practice J-turns or handbrake turns in open areas. Knowing how to flip your direction fast can avoid disaster—literally.
  11. Low-Visibility Driving
    Fog lights, window treatments, and windshield management are critical. Rain-X or a DIY vinegar mix keeps vision clear.
  12. Crossing Flooded Roads
    Don’t do it if water’s over your axle. If you must, drive slow and steady. Keep momentum—don’t stop in the middle.
  13. Mechanical Triage
    Know how to bypass a starter relay, fix a belt with a shoelace, or clear a clogged fuel line.
  14. Using Vehicles as Barriers
    Need cover? A car can be a bullet barrier. Park diagonally across roads to stop traffic behind you if needed.
  15. Convoy Driving and Signals
    Hand signals, CB radios, and tail-light codes matter when driving in groups. Never assume you’ll have cell coverage.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

1. Alcohol-Based Fuel Substitutes
In a pinch, high-proof alcohol (like Everclear or some rubbing alcohol blends) can power older carbureted engines. Filter it thoroughly and mix with any remaining fuel. Not ideal—but if you’re stuck in the woods, it might get you 5–10 miles.

2. Gravity-Fed Fuel Transfer
No siphon pump? Use gravity. A hose and a bottle placed below the fuel tank level can pull out fuel from an abandoned vehicle. Elevate the donor car if needed.

3. Wood Gasifier Rig (Long-Term Hack)
This is for the die-hards. You can convert a wood-burning campfire into usable vehicle fuel using a homemade gasifier. This involves heating wood chips in a sealed chamber to release flammable gases. It’s bulky, but if you’re bugging out permanently—worth learning.

Final Thoughts from the Road

Disaster doesn’t care if your tank is full or if you’re ten minutes from home. When the sirens blare or the sky turns dark, you’ll either be ready—or stuck. Ohio may not be the Rockies or the deserts of Nevada, but don’t let the Midwest charm fool you. Black ice, whiteouts, and chemical spills are just as deadly as any landslide or wildfire.

Preparation isn’t about paranoia—it’s about options. Know the bad roads, master the survival skills, and always—always—keep your head on a swivel.

Drive smart. Drive hard. Live free.

Connecticut’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Connecticut, Connecticut Survival Preppers, Connecticut's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Reverse Driving
    Practice driving in reverse at speed—navigating obstacles or escaping a blocked path might require it.
  3. Manual Override Knowledge
    Know how to override your vehicle’s electronics—especially keyless ignitions, gear shifts, or electric brakes.
  4. 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.
  5. Defensive Driving Under Pressure
    Don’t just anticipate—act. Most people freeze or hesitate during emergencies. Your decision-making needs to be second nature.
  6. Panic Stop Techniques
    Know how to safely stop on ice, mud, gravel, and wet asphalt. ABS won’t always save you.
  7. Engine Braking
    Use your transmission to slow down on steep grades when brakes might overheat or fail.
  8. Bridge and Overpass Evasion
    Learn to avoid high bridges and flyovers during earthquakes, floods, or high wind warnings.
  9. Map Memory
    Don’t rely solely on GPS. Keep paper maps handy and know key evacuation routes by memory.
  10. Escape Window Protocol
    Always carry a glass breaker. Practice breaking out a side window—yes, practice. Don’t wait until you’re underwater.
  11. Fuel Efficiency Driving
    In disaster mode, fuel is precious. Drive conservatively—coast when possible, avoid idling, and stay in the most efficient gear.
  12. Low-Light Maneuvering
    Practice driving at night with minimal lighting. Use your mirrors. Understand how shadows affect depth perception.
  13. Vehicular First Aid
    Keep a trauma kit, but also know how to treat exhaust burns, glass cuts, or injuries from airbags.
  14. Basic Engine Troubleshooting
    Learn how to jump-start, bypass a fuel relay, and handle a blown fuse under pressure.
  15. 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.

Oregon’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Oregon, Oregon Emergency Preparedness, Oregon's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Let me tell you something—Oregon is a beautiful place, but when the world starts to fall apart, beauty becomes a liability. Towering Douglas firs turn into roadblocks, winding coastal highways become landslide alleyways, and mountain passes? Death traps wrapped in ice and fog. I’ve driven through everything from flash floods in Mississippi to sandstorms in the Mojave, and if there’s one state where road conditions can shift faster than a rattlesnake’s mood—it’s Oregon.

When disaster strikes—whether it’s the Cascadia Subduction Zone finally letting loose, a wildfire tearing through the forest, or even just a good old-fashioned storm—you better know the lay of the land and how to drive your way out of it. That means knowing which roads to avoid, what skills to have under your belt, and what tricks you can pull when gas stations are out, GPS is dead, and the only thing keeping you alive is your vehicle and your grit.

Oregon’s Most Dangerous Roads During a Disaster

Let’s start with the roads. I’ve driven ‘em. I’ve cursed ‘em. And I sure as hell don’t want to be caught on them when the SHTF.

  1. U.S. Route 101 – Oregon Coast Highway
    Beautiful? Sure. But come a tsunami warning or a landslide, and you’re boxed in between cliffs and ocean. Frequent landslides, narrow lanes, and no quick inland access make this road a death trap.
  2. Highway 242 – McKenzie Highway
    It winds through lava fields like some kind of Tolkien nightmare. It’s closed in winter and often blocked by downed trees during storms. One wrong turn and you’re driving into Mordor.
  3. Highway 58 – Willamette Pass
    Ice, fog, and remote as hell. The Willamette Pass is a long, lonely drive that becomes impassable during snowstorms or if a wildfire jumps the road.
  4. I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge
    Winds strong enough to tip a semi. Rockslides? Regular. If you’re lucky, you’ll just get stalled behind a wreck. If you’re not, you’re under a pile of basalt.
  5. Forest Service Roads in the Mount Hood National Forest
    Beautiful and off-grid—but that’s a double-edged sword. No cell service, no rescue, and all it takes is a fallen tree or flood to strand you for days.
  6. Lolo Pass Road
    Tight turns, steep grades, and limited visibility. During winter, it’s a skating rink. During fire season, it’s your one-way ticket to toastville.
  7. US-26 through Warm Springs Reservation
    Long stretches without services. Fires here move fast. And when evacuations start, this road gets choked up quickly with traffic and poor visibility from smoke.
  8. Highway 138 through Umpqua National Forest
    Narrow, winding, and isolated. Perfect for getting lost or trapped by a fire moving faster than your vehicle can escape.
  9. Crater Lake Rim Drive
    Don’t even think about it in winter. Volcanic terrain, snowfall measured in feet, and sheer drop-offs. This is the kind of place helicopters rescue you from—if they can find you.
  10. OR-66 – Ashland to Klamath Falls
    It’s called the Green Springs Highway, but in a wildfire it’s just a green hell. Sharp curves, little shoulder space, and too many blind corners.

15 Survival Driving Skills You Better Master

You can have the best bug-out vehicle in the world, but if you can’t drive like your life depends on it—well, it won’t matter. These are survival skills I’ve used in hurricanes, riots, and wildfire zones, and if you want a chance of making it out alive, learn them.

  1. Situational Awareness Driving – Don’t just drive—scan. Watch every mirror, road shoulder, and overpass. Know what’s around and what’s behind.
  2. Evasive Maneuvering – Learn how to swerve safely at high speed. Practice J-turns and quick braking in controlled environments.
  3. Driving Without GPS – Learn to read paper maps, landmarks, and follow the sun if needed.
  4. High-Clearance Navigation – Know how to handle boulders, logs, and debris. Don’t get your oil pan torn open miles from help.
  5. Throttle and Brake Control on Slippery Surfaces – Whether it’s ice or mud, smoothness is survival. Slam on the brakes and you’re spinning.
  6. Water Crossing Techniques – Don’t charge through water unless you’ve judged its depth and current. Use a stick or walk it first if needed.
  7. Off-Road Trail Recovery – Know how to winch, tow, and use traction boards. When stuck, you need to be your own tow truck.
  8. Driving with Blown Tires or Limited Visibility – Practice limping on a flat. Tape the side mirror if it’s busted. Improvise and move.
  9. Engine Overheat Management – Know how to manage a temp gauge climbing fast. Turn on the heater, ease the throttle, and coast downhill.
  10. Fuel Management and Efficiency Driving – Coasting, idling wisely, and using gravity when you can will stretch every drop.
  11. Driving in a Smoke or Dust Cloud – Windows up, lights on low beam, stay to the right, and sound your horn regularly.
  12. Silent Night Driving – At times, noise discipline matters. Learn how to coast and minimize your engine sound during covert escapes.
  13. Manual Transmission Know-How – If you can’t drive stick, you’re cutting your options in half. Many old rigs and military surplus vehicles are manual.
  14. Changing a Tire Under Pressure – Practice doing it in the dark, in the rain, fast. Because that’s how it’ll happen.
  15. Using a Car as a Shield or Tool – In riots or ambushes, your vehicle is cover and battering ram. Know its limits and use it accordingly.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Gas stations? In a disaster, they’re either bone dry or burned to the ground. Here are three field-tested tricks to stretch what you’ve got or go without.

  1. Siphon Like a Pro
    Get a clear plastic tube (6-8 feet). Gravity is your friend. Find abandoned vehicles, lawnmowers, even boats—many have usable fuel. Always filter through a coffee filter or sock to catch debris. Gas can degrade, but in a pinch, even old stuff can be better than nothing.
  2. Alcohol-Based Emergency Fuel
    Camp stove alcohol, isopropyl alcohol (90%+), and even Everclear can burn in small engines or mixed carefully with gasoline. Don’t try this in modern fuel-injected vehicles without research. But old carbureted engines? You’d be surprised.
  3. Fuel-Saving Mod: Remove Roof Rack and Excess Gear
    That roof rack might look cool with your gear, but it’s tanking your fuel economy by up to 15%. Ditch it and stash gear inside if possible. Also, reduce weight. Every 100 pounds means fewer miles per gallon. Tighten tire pressure to the high end of safe range to reduce rolling resistance.

Closing Thoughts from the Road

Disaster doesn’t wait. When the earth shakes or flames come down the mountain, you’ve got one chance to get it right. That means knowing your routes, keeping your ride in top shape, and having the skills to keep moving no matter what’s in your way.

The roads I’ve mentioned aren’t just dangerous because of terrain—they’re dangerous because they isolate you. Because they can trap you in a box canyon of fire, water, or rock. Avoid them if you can. And if you have to use them? Go prepared, drive smart, and trust your instincts.

The rule of thumb? When in doubt, get out. Early. Delay by an hour, and you might be stuck for a week—or worse, not make it out at all. Practice your escape. Pack your rig. And when that siren wails or that first tremor hits, remember: survival favors the prepared.

Iowa’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Iowa, Iowa survival prepper, Iowa's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Iowa’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster
By a Well-Traveled Survivalist

There’s a reason most folks underestimate the land between the coasts. From a bird’s-eye view, Iowa looks like a patchwork of cornfields and gravel roads. But when a disaster strikes—be it flood, blizzard, tornado, or grid-down scenario—those roads can turn into a gauntlet. I’ve spent decades traveling through all kinds of terrain, from the jungles of Colombia to the mountain passes of Afghanistan. Let me tell you, Iowa’s backroads in the middle of a Midwestern thunderstorm? Just as dangerous as any warzone.

Disaster has a way of peeling back comfort like bark off a tree. When the sirens start, cell towers fail, and gas stations shut down, your best chance of survival might come down to your wheels and your wits. Below, I’ll lay out 15 survival driving skills every Iowan—or any prepared soul—needs to master, plus 3 DIY hacks to keep moving when your gas tank’s dry. But first, let’s talk about the battleground: Iowa’s most treacherous roads when the world goes sideways.

The Most Treacherous Roads in Iowa During a Disaster

  1. Highway 20 (Western Segment)
    Western Iowa’s stretch of Highway 20 often floods after heavy rains. During a flash flood, this corridor turns into a watery grave. Flatland runoff builds fast, and without elevation to carry it away, you’re driving blind through standing water.
  2. I-80 Between Des Moines and Iowa City
    While it’s one of the busiest interstates in Iowa, in a disaster, that’s exactly the problem. It bottlenecks fast, especially in snowstorms or mass evacuations. Don’t count on cruising this route during chaos.
  3. County Road F62 (Marion to Knoxville)
    Twisting hills and tree-lined curves make this rural gem beautiful—but deadly. In winter, it becomes a skating rink; in rain, a mudslide risk. No plows, no lights, no help.
  4. Highway 2 (Southern Iowa)
    A frequent victim of Missouri River flooding. Entire stretches of this road have been wiped out in past storms. In a bug-out situation, avoid this path unless you’ve recon’d it yourself.
  5. IA-330 Northeast of Des Moines
    Tornado alley, plain and simple. The road is exposed, isolated, and flanked by ditches—not where you want to be when twisters tear through.
  6. Gravel Roads in Tama and Poweshiek Counties
    During a disaster, GPS will push you onto these gravel roads to “save time.” Don’t fall for it. One storm and they’re impassable. Get stuck here, and you’re a sitting duck.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

  1. Reading the Road
    If the surface looks darker than usual during rain, it’s probably deeper than you think. Water distorts depth. Know how to read the color and ripple.
  2. Driving Without GPS
    Memorize paper maps. Practice navigating with a compass and dead reckoning. Satellites fail. Your brain can’t.
  3. Off-Road Maneuvering
    Know how to use low gear, lock differentials, and feather the throttle. A field may be your only way out.
  4. Evasive Driving
    Practice J-turns and emergency braking in empty lots. If you’re chased or boxed in during civil unrest, you’ll be glad you did.
  5. Tire Change Under Pressure
    Be able to change a tire in under 5 minutes with limited visibility. Bonus points if you can do it with a busted jack.
  6. Escape Routines
    Know how to escape from a submerged vehicle, including kicking out side windows and cutting seatbelts. Timing is life.
  7. Fuel Conservation Tactics
    Learn to coast, hypermile, and minimize gear shifting. Every drop of fuel matters when there’s no refuel in sight.
  8. Navigating by Landmarks
    Learn to recognize silos, barns, water towers, and wind turbines as navigational aids. Nature and man-made markers never need batteries.
  9. Communication on the Go
    Equip your vehicle with CB radio or GMRS. When cell towers go down, this is your only lifeline.
  10. Driving in Blackout Conditions
    Practice using night vision (if you’ve got it) or driving with no lights using only moonlight and memory. Useful when stealth matters.
  11. Handling Panic Situations
    Develop muscle memory for when adrenaline spikes. Whether avoiding a downed power line or maneuvering through looters, cool heads drive better.
  12. Improvised Towing
    Use ratchet straps, tow ropes, or even paracord to pull another vehicle or debris. Just know the knots and tension limits.
  13. Winter Ice Control
    Carry sand, kitty litter, and traction boards. Learn how to rock the car back and forth to break ice grip.
  14. Engine Maintenance
    Know how to clean filters, check fluids, and jump a battery with spare wire if you don’t have jumper cables.
  15. Brake Failure Protocol
    If your brakes go, pump fast, downshift, and use the emergency brake in pulses—not one hard yank. That saves lives.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

  1. The Ethanol Hack
    Iowa’s got corn. Lots of it. In an absolute emergency, you can distill ethanol from fermented corn mash. It’s not easy, but with copper tubing, a pressure cooker, and some time, it’s possible. Ethanol burns lean—filter it well or risk engine damage.
  2. The Lawn Mower Siphon Trick
    That old lawn mower or ATV in someone’s abandoned shed? Many of them have gas. Carry a siphon hose and a catch can. Be respectful—if it’s not yours, it might be someone else’s lifeline.
  3. Wood Gasifier Retrofit
    Advanced, but doable. With steel barrels, wood chips, and basic welding, you can create a wood gasifier to power an older carbureted engine. Think WWII truck tech. It ain’t pretty, but it rolls.

Tips for Staying Alive on Iowa Roads

  • Always carry a 72-hour car kit: water, food, wool blanket, trauma gear, jumper cables, flares.
  • Keep your gas tank no lower than half full. In a grid-down event, the line at Casey’s stretches to forever—and might never move.
  • Scout backroads now—while you still can. Drive them in daylight, mark danger spots on your maps, and cache supplies if you’re bold enough.

When the skies go black and the sirens wail, you won’t rise to the occasion. You’ll fall to the level of your training. So train hard. Know your routes. And never let your tank run dry.

The cornfields of Iowa might look peaceful, but when the world turns upside down, they’ll show you their teeth.

New York’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn New York, New York Survivalists, New York's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

New York’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster—and How to Survive Them Behind the Wheel
By a Well-Traveled Survivalist

I’ve driven across deserts on three gallons of diesel, crawled through hurricane-flooded streets in Louisiana, and pushed a rusted-out pickup across half of Bolivia. But nothing quite tests your nerve like driving through New York during a full-blown disaster—be it a blackout, blizzard, flash flood, or something worse. The Empire State has beauty and bite in equal measure, and if you’re not prepared when things go sideways, you’re either stuck or someone else’s burden.

Let’s talk survival. Specifically, survival behind the wheel.

The Most Treacherous Roads in New York During a Disaster

Before I get into the skills and hacks that’ll keep your rig moving, you need to know which roads are a deathtrap when crisis hits.

1. BQE (Brooklyn-Queens Expressway)

This is a tight, crumbling mess in the best of times. During a disaster? It turns into a concrete coffin. It floods easily, has limited exits, and the elevated portions make for slow and exposed travel.

2. Major Deegan Expressway (I-87)

Running through the Bronx, this stretch clogs up with the smallest incident. Add an evacuation order or a flash flood, and you’re locked in.

3. Cross Bronx Expressway

I call this one “the artery of misery.” In gridlock, there’s no escape—bridges, overpasses, and concrete all around. It’s the first to freeze and the last to be cleared.

4. FDR Drive

Scenic, sure, but sandwiched between the East River and Manhattan’s east side, you’ve got water on one side, high-rises on the other. When the storm surge hits, it’s underwater faster than you can turn around.

5. I-278 Staten Island

A critical connector that’s exposed, easily bottlenecked, and prone to wind damage. If the bridges shut down, you’re stranded on the island.

6. Route 17 in the Catskills

Beautiful drive—until snow buries it or a landslide turns it into a hiking trail. Cell service is spotty and help is hours away.

7. Taconic State Parkway

This one’s narrow, winding, and has overpasses too low for trucks. Come winter, it’s a slippery chute lined with trees and ditches.

8. I-84

Heavy truck traffic, frequent fog, and icy hills. It’s a freight artery that jams fast in bad weather.

9. Southern State Parkway

Winding, fast, and crowded with commuters—when panic hits, this becomes a NASCAR track full of amateurs.

10. The Thruway (I-90) between Buffalo and Rochester

Snow, wind, and whiteout conditions make this stretch notorious in winter. If you’re not driving something with clearance and chains, you’re a hood ornament.

Now, just because you’re on one of these roads doesn’t mean you’re doomed. You’ve got the advantage of knowledge, and if you can master a few critical survival driving skills, you’ll do more than survive—you’ll thrive.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

  1. Situational Awareness
    Always know what’s ahead, behind, and around you. Scan exits, spot alternative routes, and watch people—crowds give away danger.
  2. Off-Road Navigation
    Know how to steer a 2WD sedan through mud, fields, or gravel. In an emergency, the shoulder or forest trail might be your only option.
  3. Flood Water Judgment
    Six inches of water can stall a sedan. A foot can carry off a car. Learn to judge depth by fixed objects like mailboxes or tires on other vehicles.
  4. Manual Transmission Mastery
    If you ever have to steal—I mean, “borrow”—a vehicle in a crisis, it might be stick. Learn it.
  5. Driving Without Headlights
    Use parking lights or no lights at all during nighttime evasion. Stay unseen, avoid attracting trouble.
  6. Engine Cooling Tricks
    If you’re overheating and there’s no coolant? Crank the heater to full blast. It’ll draw heat off the engine enough to limp another mile or two.
  7. Tire Patch & Plug on the Go
    Learn to plug a tire with a kit—no jack needed. Saved me from spending the night in a ditch outside Syracuse.
  8. Hotwiring Basics
    I’m not saying break the law. But if it’s between you and freezing to death in a blizzard, a basic understanding of ignition wiring might save you.
  9. Driving in Reverse
    Some exits are only back the way you came. Practice controlled, confident reverse driving.
  10. Braking Without ABS
    If the system fails or you’re in an older vehicle, pump those brakes on ice or water. Learn cadence braking.
  11. Evading Roadblocks
    Know how to U-turn on narrow roads, cut across medians, or drive through soft barriers like fences or ditches.
  12. Fuel Efficiency Driving
    Learn hypermiling techniques. Coast in neutral. Minimize braking. Every drop counts in a gas-dead world.
  13. Reading Smoke and Sky
    Dark plumes mean fires. Yellow-gray? Chemical. Learn to read clouds, smoke direction, and wind. It’ll inform your next move.
  14. Quick Vehicle Concealment
    Know where to stash a vehicle: under tree canopy, behind structures, or under bridges. Visibility is vulnerability.
  15. Portable GPS with Topo Maps
    Cell towers die fast. GPS units with offline topographic maps are gold. Know how to use grid coordinates, not just “turn left at Starbucks.”

3 DIY Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

If you’re out of gas, you’re not out of options. I’ve used all three of these in the wild. They’re field-tested and road-worn.

1. Siphon from Abandoned Vehicles

Carry clear vinyl tubing, at least 6 feet. Push it into the tank of a vehicle parked nose-up. If you can’t get suction, use a squeeze bulb or create a siphon starter with a plastic bottle. Works best with older cars that don’t have anti-siphon filters.

2. DIY Ethanol Boost

If you can find pure grain alcohol or even high-proof vodka, you can mix it with your fuel in emergencies. Small engines will tolerate it in a pinch. Ratio? Start low—10% max.

3. Scavenge Small Engine Fuel

Lawnmowers, chainsaws, and generators often sit untouched. Their gas may be old, but if it’s not varnished or contaminated, it’ll burn. Filter through a T-shirt or coffee filter. Desperate? It’ll run.

Final Thoughts from the Road

Look, survival isn’t about gadgets and gear—it’s about grit, knowledge, and the will to move when others freeze. New York’s worst roads will chew up the unprepared. But you? You’ll see the jam and take the field. You’ll smell floodwater on the wind and know when to cut and run.

There’s no cavalry coming in a gridlocked city or a frozen mountain pass. You’re the cavalry. Your tires are your boots. Your car? It’s your last shelter, your battering ram, your ride-or-die.

Know your vehicle. Pack it like your life depends on it—because one day, it just might.

Kentucky’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Kentucky, Kentucky Survival Preppers, Kentucky's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Kentucky’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – A Survivalist’s Guide Behind the Wheel

When you’re out there chasing the horizon or trying to outrun a storm, road knowledge can mean the difference between getting home and getting stuck. I’ve driven through hurricanes in Louisiana, blizzards in Montana, and flash floods in Arizona—but Kentucky’s terrain? It’s a whole different beast when disaster strikes. Steep hollers, crumbling coal roads, dense forest routes, and low-lying flood zones make for a recipe that’ll test the mettle of even the most seasoned driver.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely someone who doesn’t want to wait for FEMA or the county sheriff to come save your hide. You want to know how to drive your way out of the fire—literally and figuratively. And I’m here to make sure you can.

Let’s start with the roads you should know to avoid—or at the very least, approach with extreme caution when the world goes sideways.

Kentucky’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

1. KY-66 (Bell County): Twists tighter than a coiled copperhead and flanked by rockslide-prone hills. In a storm, it’s just a serpentine death trap.

2. US-119 (Harlan to Pikeville): A coal country mainline that turns treacherous with even a light rain. Landslides, black ice, and fog make this a no-go during emergencies.

3. KY-15 (Breathitt and Perry Counties): If flooding is the game, this road plays it better than most. Overflow from nearby rivers submerges it faster than a flat-bottom boat can float.

4. KY-192 (Daniel Boone National Forest): Deep woods, no cell signal, and slick as owl snot when it rains. You break down here? You’re your own cavalry.

5. KY-80 (Pulaski County): A high-traffic stretch with poor drainage and deadly curves. In a crisis, it becomes a metal graveyard.

6. The Mountain Parkway (Slade to Salyersville): When the wind kicks up or snow sets in, this becomes a chute to nowhere. I once saw six vehicles slide off in one mile—ice like glass.

7. KY-899 (Floyd County): Steep grades, narrow shoulders, and patchy maintenance mean you’re one wrong move from a thousand-foot roll.

8. US-421 (Jackson County): Earthquakes might not be common in Kentucky, but landslides and flooding sure are. 421 is vulnerable to both.

9. KY-30 (Owsley and Jackson Counties): This road loves to crack and crumble under pressure. I’ve seen potholes swallow axles after a flood.

10. The Hal Rogers Parkway: Also known as the “Hal Ditch Parkway” among old-timers. Washouts, rockfalls, and poor visibility make it more trap than trail during a disaster.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life

  1. Driving Without GPS: Learn to read paper maps. Don’t rely on satellites when the grid goes down.
  2. Situational Awareness: Keep your head on a swivel. Watch the sky, the road, the terrain—and always have two escape routes in mind.
  3. Reading Terrain: Knowing when the land is about to slide, flood, or freeze gives you a head start no app can offer.
  4. Driving Without Headlights: In some cases, stealth matters. Practice moving low-speed and quiet using parking lights or none at all when needed.
  5. Water Crossing Techniques: Never cross fast-moving floodwaters. For shallow, slow-moving water, stay in the center of the road where it’s highest.
  6. Rockfall Avoidance: In mountainous areas, if you see small rocks, expect big ones. Don’t stop near slopes—move past quickly and watch uphill.
  7. Brake Feathering: Learn to keep traction on ice or gravel by lightly pumping the brakes instead of slamming them.
  8. Manual Car Push-Start (if applicable): If you drive a manual transmission, knowing how to roll-start your car is crucial when the battery dies.
  9. Using Momentum Wisely: Going up muddy or snowy hills requires momentum. Don’t stop halfway or you’re sunk.
  10. Defensive Aggression: Be calm but assertive. Disaster traffic brings out the worst in people—know when to stand your ground and when to yield.
  11. Using the Shoulder: Sometimes, the shoulder is the road. Know how to safely use it, especially if you need to bypass stalled traffic.
  12. Emergency U-turns and Reversing Under Pressure: Practice three-point and J-turns. You may need to back out fast with no margin for error.
  13. Night Navigation Without Lights: Learn how to move discreetly and navigate by moonlight or ambient light if stealth or safety requires it.
  14. Overcoming Off-Road Obstacles: Fallen trees, rocks, or even small washouts—know how to build ramps, stack traction, or use winches and tow straps.
  15. Car as Shelter: Your vehicle can be a temporary safe zone. Insulate windows, block wind, and conserve battery for warmth or signals.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

1. Siphoning Fuel Safely
Old-school but effective. Carry a clear plastic hose, about 6 feet long, and a small container. Find an abandoned vehicle, insert the hose into the fuel tank (modern ones have anti-siphon devices, but some can be bypassed), create suction, and let gravity do the work. Warning: Avoid diesel if your engine runs on gas—unless you enjoy walking.

2. Homemade Fuel Additive Boost
If you’ve got just a cup or two of gas left, mix in a bit of rubbing alcohol or ethanol (not more than 10-15%) to stretch your supply. This is risky on modern engines, but in a pinch, it’ll get you another couple miles down the road.

3. Fire-for-Signal
If you’re truly stranded, don’t waste your last phone charge. Light a smoky fire using oil or rubber from an old tire to signal rescuers or passing vehicles. A thick black column of smoke still says “I need help” better than anything short of flares.

Final Words From the Road

Here’s the truth—most folks don’t make it because they froze when the time came to move. They hesitated, trusted a GPS or waited for help that never came. Kentucky’s got hills that fall, rivers that rise, and a winter wind that cuts bone-deep. If you’re planning to survive a disaster here, you need to know your vehicle, know your roads, and most of all—know yourself.

I always say: “Don’t drive faster than your guardian angel can fly—but don’t you dare stop when hell’s on your heels.” Keep your tank full, your gear packed, and your wits sharp.

This ain’t just driving—it’s survival.

Montana’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Montana, Montana Survival Preppers, Montana's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Montana’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: Lessons from a Well-Traveled Survivalist

I’ve driven through nearly every rugged corner of the continental United States, from Arizona’s sunbaked deserts to Alaska’s icebound highways. But when it comes to raw, untamed terrain—and unpredictable weather—Montana takes a special kind of grit. Under normal conditions, Big Sky Country already challenges most drivers. Add a disaster scenario, and you’ve got yourself a real test of survival skills.

Whether it’s a wildfire racing down a valley, a blizzard burying entire routes, or infrastructure collapse from earthquakes or floods, your vehicle becomes your lifeline. Knowing how—and where—to drive during a crisis in Montana is the kind of knowledge that can mean the difference between escape and entrapment.

Let me take you through Montana’s worst roads during a disaster, then arm you with 15 critical survival driving skills and 3 DIY hacks for when you’ve run out of gas, but not out of options.

The Worst Montana Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

  1. Beartooth Highway (US-212)
    Beautiful? Yes. Deadly in a disaster? Absolutely. This high-altitude road climbs over 10,000 feet, with steep switchbacks and few guardrails. In a snowstorm or wildfire, it’s a death trap. Rockslides and zero visibility make it one of the first roads to avoid.
  2. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park)
    Spectacular views, but it hugs cliff edges like a drunken mountain goat. It’s often closed by landslides or snow, and it’s far too narrow for panicked evacuations. In any kind of emergency, steer clear.
  3. Montana Highway 200
    This is the state’s longest road, stretching over 700 miles through isolated terrain. Flooding, forest fires, or infrastructure failure out here could strand you hours from help. Not a place to get caught without a backup plan.
  4. I-90 Through Homestake Pass
    One of the busiest and most mountainous sections of I-90, this pass near Butte is treacherous in winter. Pileups, black ice, and poor visibility are common. During a mass evacuation, this would quickly bottleneck.
  5. MT-38 (Skalkaho Highway)
    This dirt-and-gravel back road over the Sapphire Mountains is gorgeous in summer but closed in winter. In an emergency, it can easily become impassable from downed trees or mudslides.
  6. US-93 Through the Bitterroot Valley
    Often the only north-south option in western Montana. In a regional disaster, this could become a traffic-clogged artery with few alternative routes.
  7. US-191 in the Gallatin Canyon
    Between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, this road runs alongside a river and between cliffs. Avalanches, falling rocks, and flooding are all hazards, especially in spring.
  8. Montana Highway 35 Around Flathead Lake
    This narrow, curvy route hugs the eastern edge of Flathead Lake. Accidents and landslides are common, and there are few escape routes.
  9. US-287 Between Three Forks and Helena
    Wind-swept plains and long, empty stretches. In a fuel shortage or snowstorm, you’re very exposed here.
  10. Pintler Scenic Route (MT-1)
    This detour from I-90 between Anaconda and Drummond winds through thick forests—prime wildfire country. It’s beautiful but risky in fire season with limited cell coverage and few exits.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life in Montana

  1. Off-Road Navigation
    Know how to read a topographic map and drive without GPS. Trust me, satellites fail in disasters.
  2. Manual Transmission Mastery
    Stick-shift vehicles offer more control on slick, steep, or icy terrain.
  3. Engine Braking
    On Montana’s mountain roads, knowing how to downshift to slow down saves brakes and control.
  4. Water Crossing Techniques
    Learn how to assess depth and current before attempting to drive through floodwaters. Most vehicles float—and stall—after just 6 inches of water.
  5. Tire Patching on the Fly
    Sharp shale, debris, or fire-damaged roads can chew tires. Know how to plug a leak quickly.
  6. Understanding Your Drive System
    Know if you’ve got AWD, 4WD, or 2WD. Use it properly—or risk getting stuck.
  7. Fuel Efficiency Driving
    In a crisis, every drop counts. Ease off the gas, coast downhill, and avoid idling.
  8. Driving Without Headlights
    In certain disaster zones, stealth is key. Practice low-visibility or night-vision-compatible driving.
  9. Quick Egress Techniques
    Practice getting your vehicle turned around fast—without a 3-point turn.
  10. Emergency Repairs
    Jury-rigging a fan belt with paracord, fixing a coolant leak with epoxy—small tricks, big payoff.
  11. High-Centered Recovery
    Know how to get unstuck when you bottom out in deep ruts or snow.
  12. Defensive Maneuvering
    Avoid panicked drivers, animals, or debris. Quick reflexes and awareness save lives.
  13. Winch and Tow Strap Use
    Even a compact SUV can haul itself free with the right gear and technique.
  14. Driving in Whiteout Conditions
    Slow, steady, and watch for snowbanks. Follow reflective markers or natural road edges.
  15. Reading the Road Ahead
    From flash flood signs to frost heaves, learn to scan for danger like a hawk.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

1. The Alcohol Trick
If you’ve stored isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) or even certain spirits like Everclear in your survival kit, a small amount can be mixed with gas or used in portable alcohol-burning stoves for cooking—and very carefully, even to heat an engine block in winter. Don’t run your engine on it, but it can help warm components or clear fuel lines frozen in deep winter.

2. Gravity Siphon from Abandoned Vehicles
Carry a siphon pump and hose in your kit. In a grid-down disaster, siphoning fuel from other vehicles might be your only option. Choose trucks, RVs, or old farm vehicles—they’re less likely to be tamper-proof.

3. DIY Solar Still for Emergency Fuel
If you have small amounts of contaminated gas, a makeshift solar still using clear plastic sheeting, a container, and sunlight can help you distill usable vapors back into liquid. It’s slow, but when you’re desperate, it’s better than hoofing it 50 miles.

Final Word From the Road

Montana doesn’t mess around. Its breathtaking beauty hides real danger, and the state’s remoteness can turn minor problems into life-threatening crises fast. You can’t count on cell towers, gas stations, or AAA. What you can count on is your preparedness, your skills, and your attitude.

The old-timers and ranchers out here know the truth: if you don’t bring it, you won’t have it. If you don’t learn it, you can’t use it. Every time I set out into Montana’s backcountry—whether it’s for a weekend or to test a new bug-out route—I remind myself: Plan like everything will go wrong. Drive like your life depends on it. Because one day, it just might.

New Mexico’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Mexico, New Mexico Survival Prepper, New Mexico's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

New Mexico’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – A Survivalist’s Guide

I’ve driven through hell and back—flood zones, wildfire-razed highways, sand-covered backroads, and snow-packed mountain passes that eat city sedans for breakfast. But no state has tested my survival driving like New Mexico. When disaster strikes—be it wildfire, blizzard, flash flood, or civil unrest—the Land of Enchantment can quickly turn into the Land of Entrapment if you don’t know how to drive your way out.

I’ve scouted, survived, and charted the most dangerous routes in New Mexico under pressure. If you find yourself behind the wheel during a crisis, these roads can become deathtraps—unless you’ve got the skill, grit, and the know-how to adapt on the fly.

Let’s break it down.

The 5 Worst Roads in New Mexico to Drive on During a Disaster

  1. U.S. Route 550 (Between Bernalillo and Bloomfield)
    Nicknamed “The Death Highway,” this stretch turns deadly during rain. Flash floods from surrounding mesas can submerge sections within minutes. Its isolated layout and sparse cell coverage make it a nightmare for evac routes.
  2. NM-152 (Emory Pass through the Black Range)
    During a wildfire or snowstorm, this winding mountain road becomes a gauntlet. With sheer drop-offs and narrow switchbacks, a single wrong move means a plunge into oblivion.
  3. I-40 Eastbound near Moriarty during Winter Storms
    Black ice is the hidden enemy here. In whiteout conditions, this wide interstate turns into a twisted wreckage pile-up waiting to happen.
  4. NM-128 (Jal to Carlsbad)
    Oil truck traffic dominates this narrow, two-lane highway. Add a chemical spill or sandstorm, and you’ve got one of the most claustrophobic and hostile drives in the state.
  5. NM-4 through Jemez Mountains
    Gorgeous during fall—lethal during forest fires. One road in, one road out. Get caught here with fire behind you, and you’re boxed in.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

You can’t rely on GPS, cell towers, or good luck out here. What you need is practiced skill. Here are 15 survival driving techniques I’ve used more than once to keep rubber on road and soul intact:

  1. Throttle Control on Loose Terrain – Sand, snow, and mud all demand delicate gas pedal handling. Slam it, and you spin. Ease in, and you crawl your way to freedom.
  2. Handbrake Steering – Learn to use your e-brake to make sharp, controlled turns in tight quarters—like mountain passes or urban chaos.
  3. Situational Awareness Scanning – Always look beyond the car ahead. Watch terrain, smoke columns, animal behavior. Everything tells a story.
  4. Brake Feathering Downhill – Avoid overheating brakes on steep slopes. Pulse them instead of constant pressure.
  5. Reverse Navigation – Practice driving backwards in a straight line and around curves. Might save your life in a blocked canyon road.
  6. Underbody Clearance Assessment – Learn to eyeball what your car can straddle versus what’ll rip your oil pan off.
  7. Off-Road Tire Pressure Adjustment – Lower PSI to 18–22 for sand or snow traction. Bring a portable compressor to re-inflate later.
  8. Driving Without Headlights – Use parking lights or fogs if stealth is needed. Don’t silhouette yourself at night.
  9. River Crossing Techniques – Walk it first if you can’t see the bottom. Enter downstream at an angle and don’t stop moving.
  10. Using a Tow Strap Alone – Learn how to anchor and ratchet yourself out with trees, rocks, or even fence posts.
  11. Quick U-Turn Maneuvering – Know your car’s minimum turn radius in crisis—especially useful when you’re boxed in.
  12. Driving with Broken Windshield Visibility – Keep a squeegee and water bottle with vinegar. In sandstorms, it’s a godsend.
  13. Dealing with Road Rage or Looters – Never engage. Keep calm, move methodically. Use evasive turns into alleys, service roads, or dry washes.
  14. Mapping Your Exit Without Tech – Keep a paper topo map in your rig. Fold it. Annotate it. Love it. GPS dies, paper doesn’t.
  15. One-Handed Drive + Weapon Readiness – If you’re in a truly bad spot, practice steering with one hand while the other is…let’s just say, busy managing security.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

So you’re in the middle of NM-128, out of gas, and the next station is 70 miles behind you—burnt down in the last wildfire. Here’s how to get creative:

1. Alcohol-based Emergency Fuel Substitute

If you’ve got access to high-proof spirits (think 151+ proof or denatured alcohol), you can use small amounts mixed with gas in carbureted engines (not modern fuel-injected). It’s dirty, short-term, and hard on the engine—but it’ll buy you a few desperate miles.

2. Siphon with a Paracord Tube

Most vehicles are siphon-proof now—but not all. Use paracord tubing (inner strands removed) to siphon fuel from abandoned ATVs, generators, or lawn equipment. Practice the siphon technique beforehand, because if you mess it up in the field, you’ll drink gas.

3. Solar Heat Vapor Trick (Emergency Only)

In blazing sun, fuel vapors build up in tanks. Create a pressure system using black tubing and a heat chamber (a black bag filled with water). Use it to push vapors into a sealed container and then directly into a small engine. This is very experimental and dangerous. Use at your own risk and only when every other option’s gone.

Final Thoughts from the Road

New Mexico’s beauty is raw, powerful, and absolutely unforgiving. I’ve seen RVs melt into the desert floor, pickups swept away in bone-dry riverbeds that turned to whitewater in ten minutes, and motorists freeze to death just outside Taos when their apps said “mostly cloudy.”

When disaster hits, the roads don’t care about your comfort—they care about your competence. The terrain will test your instincts, and the silence will test your mental game. But with skill, calm nerves, and a vehicle prepped for the fight, you can turn the tide.

Don’t be the person who trusted traffic apps during a solar flare, or the one who believed a rental sedan could “handle it just fine.” Be the one who drives out when others stall. Be the one who lives.

Now, pack extra fuel, top off your water, and learn your roads—not when you need them, but before.

Idaho’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Idaho, Idaho Natural Disasters, Idaho preppers, Idaho's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Idaho’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – And How to Survive Them

By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist

I’ve spent the better part of three decades navigating the world’s toughest terrains, from the Andes to the Australian Outback. But I’ll tell you what—Idaho can be just as brutal when things go south. Between its mountainous topography, narrow two-lanes that snake through canyons, and high desert dust bowls, the Gem State becomes downright hostile in a disaster. If you’re unprepared, these roads won’t just delay you—they’ll swallow you whole.

In a natural disaster—whether it’s a wildfire roaring through the Sawtooths, a sudden snowstorm dumping three feet overnight, or a 6.5-magnitude earthquake cracking the highways—the road becomes your greatest adversary. Knowing which roads to avoid and how to survive the drive out can make all the difference.

The Five Worst Roads in Idaho During a Disaster

1. Highway 75 (Sawtooth Scenic Byway)
This picturesque road turns deadly fast. Rockslides, falling trees, and limited escape routes through Stanley and over Galena Summit make this a nightmare in a wildfire or earthquake.

2. U.S. Route 95 through the Salmon River Canyon
This stretch north of Riggins hugs cliffs, with only a guardrail between you and a sheer drop to the river below. In winter or during a landslide, it’s impassable.

3. Idaho State Highway 21 (Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway)
Beautiful? Yes. Reliable? Never. Known for avalanches and being cut off by snowstorms. In a disaster, this road becomes a one-way ticket to isolation.

4. Lolo Pass (U.S. 12)
Twisting through the Bitterroots, this route can be snowed in or blocked by fallen trees for days. Poor cell reception and little traffic means if you’re stranded, you’re on your own.

5. Interstate 84 near the Snake River Canyon
You’d think an interstate would be safe, but I-84 floods, suffers from black ice, and backs up quickly near Twin Falls. Gridlock here during a mass evacuation is guaranteed.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Can Save Your Life

Now, if you’re caught out on one of these hellish stretches when disaster strikes, you need more than just a full tank and good intentions. You need driving skills that’ll get you out alive.

1. Situational Awareness
Scan constantly—rearview, sides, road conditions, skies. Don’t focus on what’s directly in front of you alone.

2. Low-Visibility Driving
Dust storm? Blizzard? Learn to follow road edge lines, use fog lights (not high beams), and drive by feel—not speed.

3. Reverse Navigation
Sometimes, going backward is safer. Learn to backtrack efficiently through narrow paths or trails using your mirrors.

4. Braking Without Skidding
Practice controlled braking on loose gravel, snow, or wet pavement. ABS helps, but know how to pump manually if it fails.

5. Off-Road Handling
Get off the pavement and know how to drive through mud, sand, and rocky terrain without getting stuck or damaging your undercarriage.

6. Steep Incline Control
Climbing a mountain pass in bad weather requires gear control and throttle modulation. Don’t burn out your engine—or your nerves.

7. Controlled Descent
Descending steep grades with cargo or passengers? Use engine braking, low gears, and avoid riding your brakes.

8. Escape Turn Maneuvers
Practice J-turns, three-point turns in tight spaces, and u-turns on steep inclines. Sometimes the road ahead isn’t worth taking.

9. Tire Repair Under Pressure
Know how to plug a tire, swap a flat, or re-inflate using a portable air compressor. Keep a can of Fix-a-Flat for emergencies.

10. Engine Cooling Tricks
In a jam, turn on your heater to siphon heat from your engine. Puddle nearby? Splash water on the radiator grill.

11. Fuel Conservation Driving
Ease off the pedal. Use the highest gear possible at the lowest RPM to extend mileage. Coast downhill when safe.

12. Battery Smart Starts
If your car’s battery dies, know how to bump start a manual, or use solar chargers or power banks on an automatic.

13. Makeshift Winching
Strap + tree + physics. If stuck, use tow straps, tree trunks, and basic pulleys (even a jack) to free your ride.

14. Urban Evac Driving
Navigate traffic jams, shoulder lanes, sidewalks—whatever gets you out. Practice map reading when GPS fails.

15. Situational Vehicle Abandonment
Know when to walk. If your vehicle becomes a liability, stash gear, mark your location, and hoof it out.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Even seasoned preppers get caught empty. If you run out of gas miles from nowhere, here are three hacks that might just save your hide.

1. Alcohol-Based Fuel Substitute
If you’re carrying high-proof liquor or hand sanitizer (must be at least 70% alcohol), some small engines can be coaxed to run off diluted ethanol. It’s not good for your engine long-term, but in a disaster? It’ll get you a few miles.

2. Fuel Scavenging from Abandoned Vehicles
Always carry a siphon hose. Pop the gas cap off any disabled car or truck—especially older ones without anti-siphon mesh. Be discreet, and remember: desperation isn’t theft during collapse.

3. Solar-Powered Vehicle Charging
For hybrids and EVs, a solar panel array (foldable mats or a rooftop rig) paired with a battery bank can recharge you just enough for short-range escapes. Keep this in your bug-out kit if you’re relying on electric.

Final Thoughts

Disaster doesn’t come with a warning label. It sneaks in on ash clouds, hidden fault lines, and sudden cloudbursts. And Idaho’s geography doesn’t care if you’ve got kids in the back or groceries in the trunk.

Survival on the road starts long before you turn the key. It begins with understanding the terrain, mastering your vehicle, and preparing for failure. Your ride can be a lifeline—or a coffin—depending on your mindset.

Pack like it’s the last time you’ll see a gas station. Drive like every second counts. And for the love of grit, respect the road. Because out here, nature always plays for keeps.

Colorado’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Colorado, Colorado Survivalists, Colorado's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Colorado’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster — and How to Survive Them

By someone who’s lived more out of a bug-out bag than most folks live in their own homes…

I’ve driven everything from the salt flats of Bolivia to the frozen mud tracks in Siberia. But there’s something uniquely challenging about Colorado’s roads—especially when the sky turns black, the cell towers go down, and panic is in the air. Beautiful as this state is, it’s got some of the worst roads to navigate in a crisis. Whether you’re dealing with wildfire, blizzard, flood, or mass evacuation, knowing which roads to avoid—and how to drive like your life depends on it—can make all the difference.

Let’s start with Colorado’s danger zones.

Top Colorado Roads to Avoid During a Disaster

  1. I-70 Through the Rockies (especially near Vail Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel)
    When the weather shifts, this artery becomes an icy death trap. Avalanches, blinding snow, or even mass pileups can shut it down within minutes. It’s steep, curvy, and often jammed.
  2. US-550 (The Million Dollar Highway)
    This stretch from Ouray to Silverton offers breathtaking views and terrifying cliff-edge driving. Zero guardrails. One mistake in snow, rain, or panic traffic, and you’re tumbling hundreds of feet.
  3. CO-93 Between Boulder and Golden
    Wind-prone and narrow, this road gets overwhelmed during wildfires or evacuations. The winds here can blow cars sideways.
  4. I-25 Between Colorado Springs and Denver
    Flat, yes—but completely paralyzed during emergencies. One disabled car and you’re gridlocked for hours. It’s also prime territory for sudden hailstorms and tornado threats.
  5. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
    When open, it’s the highest paved road in the U.S. But during a disaster, altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, and exposure make it a gamble not worth taking.
  6. CO-14 Through Poudre Canyon
    Flash floods love this area. Roads erode quickly, and landslides are common. Once blocked, help is miles away.
  7. Highway 36 to Estes Park
    Heavily trafficked by tourists, with limited escape routes. Wildfire or road collapse here turns the whole area into a trap.
  8. Wolf Creek Pass on US-160
    Fog, black ice, and steep grades make this one of the most lethal mountain passes. Tractor-trailers tip here regularly, even on good days.
  9. US-24 Near Leadville
    High elevation means thinner air, unpredictable storms, and increased vehicle stress. Don’t count on your engine loving this one under pressure.
  10. County Roads Near Durango and Telluride
    Scenic but narrow, many are unpaved with sheer drops and no shoulders. GPS often gets it wrong, too.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life

When disaster hits and you’re behind the wheel, raw experience matters. Here are 15 survival driving skills that have kept me breathing:

  1. Off-Road Recovery
    Know how to rock your vehicle out of mud or snow without digging yourself deeper. Lower tire pressure, dig out clearance, and use floor mats for traction.
  2. Engine Braking on Steep Descents
    Don’t ride your brakes. Use low gear to control speed on declines, especially with heavy loads or towing.
  3. Driving Without GPS
    Memorize the terrain. Print maps. In a disaster, cell service and navigation apps will likely fail.
  4. Navigating Smoke or Fog
    Use low beams, avoid high beams which reflect back, and crack windows to listen for vehicles or danger.
  5. River and Flood Navigation
    Never cross a flooded road you can’t see the bottom of—but if you must, unbuckle, roll windows down, and go slow in low gear to avoid water entering your exhaust.
  6. Driving in Whiteout Conditions
    Stay within tire tracks if visible. Keep eyes on road edges. Slow down. No sudden moves.
  7. Pushing a Disabled Vehicle Alone
    Learn how to use gravity, terrain, or leverage tools like a Hi-Lift jack to move your car when solo.
  8. Handling Panic Traffic
    Avoid main arteries. Know side streets and utility roads. Timing is everything—leave early or don’t leave at all.
  9. Night Driving Without Headlights
    Practice it. Keep a red-light flashlight to preserve night vision. It’s sometimes needed in stealth scenarios.
  10. Hotwiring Older Vehicles (pre-2000s)
    Not for criminal use—but when SHTF, and your car dies, knowing how to jumpstart an old truck can save lives.
  11. Manual Navigation Using Topography
    Read the land. Ridges, valleys, river systems—all help you reorient when your compass is shot or you’re lost.
  12. Fuel Scavenging Etiquette
    Always keep a siphon kit. Know which vehicles have anti-siphon valves and how to work around them.
  13. Reading Vehicle Temp and Warning Signs
    Know when to stop. An overheating engine or failing brakes in the mountains = death sentence.
  14. Driving with One Tire Flat or Busted
    Yes, it’s ugly. But you can limp 2–5 miles if you have to. Cut speed, balance load.
  15. DIY Traction Mods
    Carry sand, kitty litter, or traction boards. Also, you can chain up with rope or even zip ties in a pinch (short-term only).

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

Out of fuel in the Colorado high country? Here’s what I’ve done when my tank hit E in the worst places imaginable:

  1. Alcohol-Based Fire Starter Fuel
    If you’ve got high-proof alcohol or even some antiseptic (over 70% isopropyl), you can mix it with fuel residue in the tank and get just enough volatility to sputter down a hill or to safety. Only use in emergencies. It’s hard on the engine—but better than freezing to death.
  2. Gravity Glide from High Elevation
    Lost fuel at altitude? Put your rig in neutral or low gear and use gravity to coast downhill for miles. You’d be amazed how far a heavy vehicle will roll if you plan your escape route wisely. Don’t forget brakes still need vacuum power—use it wisely.
  3. Scavenge Gas from Lawn Equipment and ATVs
    Cabins, shacks, and garages often have old fuel cans for chainsaws or snowmobiles. It’s dirty fuel—but a coffee filter and a funnel can get you enough clean stuff to make it to town.

Final Thoughts from a Road-Worn Survivor

Driving during a disaster is not just about getting from Point A to B—it’s about keeping calm under pressure, improvising when the odds are against you, and knowing when to ditch the vehicle altogether. Trust your instincts. Carry extra of everything. And never underestimate Colorado’s terrain—she’s got a way of testing your resolve when you least expect it.

I’ve seen wildfires outrun semis, hail the size of fists break windshields, and snow traps that sealed people into their trucks for 48 hours. Respect the land, prep like your life depends on it—because out here, it does.