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

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Jersey, New Jersey Preppers, New Jersey's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

New Jersey’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Guide

I’ve spent decades traversing harsh terrains, navigating everything from dense forests to urban jungles during emergencies. Nothing sharpens your survival instincts like being behind the wheel when disaster strikes. New Jersey, a state known for its bustling highways and scenic byways, has some of the trickiest roads to maneuver in crisis scenarios. Whether it’s a hurricane, flood, blackout, or a sudden evacuation, knowing which roads to avoid and how to drive like your life depends on it can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe.

Here’s my survivalist’s breakdown of New Jersey’s worst roads to drive on during a disaster, essential survival driving skills, and a few DIY hacks when your fuel runs dry. Listen close, because when the grid goes dark, and chaos rules, your driving skills are your survival kit on wheels.

The Worst Roads in New Jersey During Disaster Scenarios

1. Garden State Parkway (GSP) Southbound from Exit 105 to 63
This stretch is notorious for bottlenecks during evacuations. It snakes through dense suburban and coastal areas, making it vulnerable to flooding, especially during hurricanes. The road’s proximity to barrier islands means that floodwaters can trap cars in seconds.

2. Route 80 through Morris and Passaic Counties
While Route 80 is a major artery, in disaster situations, it quickly becomes a parking lot. Flooding and traffic collisions on steep, winding sections turn this road into a nightmare.

3. Route 46 in Bergen County
Route 46 serves as a critical evacuation route but is littered with intersections and traffic lights that become chokepoints. Heavy rain or snow turns it slick and hazardous.

4. Route 9 through Monmouth County
This road runs close to the coast and marshlands. Flooding and poor drainage can render it impassable, and it’s lined with commercial areas that trap stranded motorists.

5. The Pulaski Skyway (U.S. Routes 1 and 9)
An elevated roadway over the industrial waterfront, the Skyway is prone to accidents and closures during high winds or flooding, making detours complicated.

6. Route 287 near Morristown
Route 287 is a vital interstate connector but is subject to steep grades and sharp curves. During snow or ice, this stretch becomes treacherous.

7. Route 35 through Ocean County
A low-lying route through marshes and barrier islands, Route 35 floods easily during storms, often leaving drivers stranded.

8. Route 70 through Camden County
Known for heavy suburban traffic, Route 70’s multiple traffic signals and intersections cause gridlock in emergencies.

9. Route 18 in Middlesex County
Route 18 is a busy commuter road with frequent congestion, complicated by bridges and tunnels prone to closure.

10. Atlantic City Expressway near Atlantic County
Often used for evacuations, the Expressway can clog quickly, and limited exits increase the risk of getting stuck.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Drive Your Way Out of Disaster

Disaster driving is not your average commute. You need razor-sharp reflexes, awareness, and unconventional techniques. Here are 15 survival driving skills I swear by:

  1. Situational Awareness — Constantly scan your surroundings: other vehicles, road conditions, and possible escape routes. Disasters can create unpredictable hazards.
  2. Anticipate Hazards — Spot puddles, debris, or stalled cars early. Knowing when to slow down or maneuver can prevent accidents.
  3. Maintain a Safe Distance — In emergencies, tailgating equals disaster. Leave twice the normal distance between you and the car ahead.
  4. Smooth, Controlled Inputs — Jerk-free steering, braking, and accelerating prevent skids, especially on wet or icy roads.
  5. Master Off-Road Maneuvering — Many disaster routes force you off paved roads. Practice handling uneven terrain, mud, and sand.
  6. Hill Management — Use low gears going uphill or downhill to maintain control. Don’t ride your brakes downhill to avoid overheating.
  7. Reverse Driving Under Pressure — Sometimes you’ll need to backtrack or escape tight spots. Practice backing up quickly yet safely.
  8. Emergency Braking — Learn threshold braking to stop as quickly as possible without locking your wheels.
  9. Controlled Skid Recovery — If you lose traction, steer into the skid to regain control.
  10. Use of Engine Braking — When descending slopes, downshift to slow the vehicle and preserve brake integrity.
  11. Avoiding Hydroplaning — Slow down in standing water, avoid puddles, and don’t use cruise control.
  12. Navigating Debris — Learn to identify safe paths around fallen branches, rocks, or stranded vehicles.
  13. Using Alternate Routes — Know how to quickly evaluate side roads and lesser-used paths.
  14. Fuel Management — Drive efficiently to conserve fuel, especially when gas stations are scarce.
  15. Vehicle Communication — Use horn and headlights to signal other drivers or call for help.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Running out of gas in a disaster can feel like a death sentence, but with some resourcefulness, you can keep your wheels turning:

Hack 1: Emergency Gravity Feed Fuel Transfer
Carry a clean, flexible hose (about 3-4 feet). Place one end in your nearly empty gas tank’s filler neck and the other end into a spare container filled with fuel. Use gravity by elevating the container to slowly siphon fuel back into your tank. This can buy you enough distance to reach a gas station or safer location.

Hack 2: Use Alternative Fuels
If you’re desperate, some older gasoline engines can run briefly on a mixture of motor oil and gasoline in emergencies (NOT recommended for long-term use). Another option is a small container of camp stove fuel (like white gas or Coleman fuel) in an extreme pinch, but only if you know your engine can tolerate it.

Hack 3: Improvised Pedal Power
If stranded with no gas and no help nearby, consider temporarily using your vehicle as a sled. Attach a sturdy rope or tow strap to your car’s bumper and have someone pull it manually or with a secondary vehicle to a safe place. This is more feasible with smaller vehicles and should be a last resort.

Navigating New Jersey’s Disaster Roads: Final Tips

  • Know Your Vehicle: Familiarize yourself with your car’s four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive modes. Engage them as soon as conditions worsen.
  • Pre-Plan Your Route: Always have a backup evacuation plan. GPS can fail, so carry printed maps.
  • Prepare Your Car Kit: Include a tire repair kit, jumper cables, emergency flares, a basic toolset, extra fuel cans, and a first aid kit.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: Panic causes mistakes. Take deep breaths, focus on your driving, and don’t rush.
  • Communication is Key: Keep your phone charged and have a car charger or power bank ready.
  • Avoid Rush Hour: If possible, time your evacuation to avoid the busiest hours.

Driving through disaster zones demands respect for the power of nature and a readiness to adapt. New Jersey’s roads can be treacherous, but armed with these survival skills and knowledge of which routes to avoid, you can increase your chances of getting through safely.

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: Survivalist Guide to Driving Your Way Out

I’ve been around the globe and faced more than a few hairy situations where a vehicle was my lifeline. Whether it’s dense jungles, blistering deserts, or urban chaos, driving out of trouble requires more than just a license and a full tank. Missouri, with its diverse terrain and unpredictable weather, can become a battleground during a disaster. When roads deteriorate or nature turns hostile, only the prepared and skilled can make it through unscathed.

This isn’t just about knowing where the potholes are; it’s about understanding which routes can trap you, which roads will test your mettle, and how to handle your vehicle when everything is stacked against you.

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

Missouri may not have the reputation of coastal storm zones or mountain passes, but when disaster strikes — whether it’s floods, tornadoes, ice storms, or the aftermath of a man-made event — certain roads become death traps.

  1. Route 66 through the Ozarks: Once the iconic American highway, many stretches of Route 66 here are narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. During floods or heavy storms, these roads can wash out quickly or become slick and impassable.
  2. Highway 36 near Kirksville: This stretch can become a mud trap during heavy rains. It’s a vital east-west artery, but flooding often turns it into a quagmire.
  3. The Mark Twain National Forest backroads: These gravel and dirt roads are tricky in the best conditions. After storms or ice, they’re nearly impossible without proper off-road skills and vehicles.
  4. I-44 through St. Louis suburbs: The traffic congestion combined with the potential for multi-car pileups and flooding means this interstate can gridlock fast during emergencies.
  5. Highway 160 near the southern Missouri Ozarks: Known for steep inclines and sharp curves, the rain turns it into a slide zone.
  6. The Chain of Rocks Bridge approach: This bridge is a choke point during floods along the Mississippi River, with narrow shoulders and limited escape routes.
  7. Mississippi River floodplain roads: Low-lying and prone to rapid flooding, these rural routes can trap you miles from help.
  8. Highway 79 near Clarksville: This highway hugs the Mississippi and can become slick with ice or floodwaters.
  9. I-70 in rural eastern Missouri: Often neglected in winter storms, ice patches here have caused serious accidents.
  10. Highway 21 near Festus: Curvy and with poor lighting, this route can be treacherous after dark or in storm conditions.

Why Knowing These Roads Matters

If you’re trying to evacuate during a disaster, knowing the weak points in your planned route can save your life. Roads prone to flooding or landslides can leave you stranded or force you into dangerous detours. Traffic snarls on main arteries might push you to take secondary roads where your skills need to be sharp.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Drive Your Way Out of Disaster

If you want to come out alive and whole, here’s the survivalist driving skill set you need locked and loaded.

  1. Vehicle Control on Slippery Surfaces: Learn to modulate throttle and braking to avoid skidding on ice, mud, or wet leaves.
  2. Emergency Braking Techniques: Know the difference between ABS and non-ABS braking and how to use threshold braking if needed.
  3. Hill Climb and Descent Mastery: When dealing with steep or slick inclines, controlling your speed and braking without locking wheels is key.
  4. Tire Placement Precision: On narrow or rocky roads, knowing exactly where to place each tire can prevent rollovers or getting stuck.
  5. Mud and Sand Recovery: Recognize when you’re stuck and how to rock the vehicle out safely without digging yourself deeper.
  6. Water Crossing Assessment: Identify safe ford points in flooded areas—depth, current, and bottom composition.
  7. Basic Off-Road Navigation: Use natural landmarks and maps when GPS is dead or misleading.
  8. Driving Without Traction: Utilize low gears and momentum to power through loose gravel or snow.
  9. Quick Evasive Maneuvers: Swerving effectively without losing control can help avoid sudden obstacles or debris.
  10. Fuel Management and Conservation: Drive efficiently and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption in extended evacuation scenarios.
  11. Night Driving with Limited Visibility: Master low-beam use and avoid high beams in fog or heavy rain.
  12. Vehicle Inspection and Quick Repairs: Know how to check tire pressure, fluids, and basic repairs on the fly.
  13. Towing and Recovery: Use ropes or winches effectively if you or a convoy member gets stuck.
  14. Vehicle Communication: Use CB radios or walkie-talkies to coordinate if you’re traveling with others.
  15. Mental Resilience Under Stress: Staying calm and methodical prevents panic decisions that lead to accidents.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere is a classic survival headache. But a few hacks can keep you moving or get you out of tight spots.

1. Gravity-Fed Fuel Transfer Using Clear Hose

If you have a spare container of gas, use a clear plastic hose or tubing to siphon fuel into your tank. Insert one end into the container and the other into your tank’s fuel filler, then create suction carefully by mouth or use a small pump. The clear hose lets you see when fuel flows.

2. Use Cardboard or Cloth to Improve Traction

If you stall on a slick patch with no fuel to restart, place cardboard pieces or fabric under your tires to gain traction and try to push the vehicle to a safer, more accessible spot.

3. Convert Manual Transmission Push-Start Technique

If you’re driving a manual, you can sometimes push-start the vehicle. With a little push from people or gravity (rolling downhill), put the clutch in second gear and release it quickly to start the engine without fuel injection—this can work if residual fuel is in the system or to jump a dead battery.

Final Thoughts

Missouri’s roads might not look like the wildest terrain on a map, but disaster reveals their true danger. If you’ve studied these routes, sharpened your survival driving skills, and learned a few hacks for when things go sideways, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of getting out alive.

Don’t underestimate the power of preparation and practice. Disaster driving isn’t just about speed or power—it’s about control, patience, and knowing your environment like the back of your hand. Take care, stay sharp, and keep those wheels turning.

Vermont’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Vermont’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster — And How to Survive Them Behind the Wheel

By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist

Let me be clear—when disaster strikes, roads become more than routes. They become lifelines, battlegrounds, and bottlenecks. I’ve driven through hurricanes in Florida, wildfire evacuations in California, and flash floods in Texas. But Vermont? Vermont’s got a whole different beast when it comes to bad roads during bad times.

Between its winding mountain passes, frost-heaved asphalt, and dense tree cover, the Green Mountain State turns into a trap when the lights go out or the weather gets mean. Whether it’s a Nor’easter burying Route 100 under three feet of snow or a flash flood taking out bridges in Windham County, if you’re not prepared to drive like your life depends on it—you’re already a victim.

Let me walk you through the worst roads to avoid (or conquer) and then arm you with 15 crucial survival driving skills. And for those who really find themselves neck-deep in trouble, I’ve got three DIY hacks to keep you moving even when the tank runs dry.

Vermont’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

Here’s a short list of Vermont roads that’ll break your spirit (or your axle) in a disaster:

  1. Route 100 (from Killington to Waterbury) – Winding, narrow, and one rockslide away from being impassable. Gorgeous in fall, deathtrap in winter.
  2. Route 9 (Bennington to Brattleboro) – Prone to flooding, steep inclines, and black ice. This one gets shut down regularly in Nor’easters.
  3. Interstate 89 (Montpelier to Burlington) – The main artery in and out of Central Vermont. In a mass exodus, this becomes a clogged mess.
  4. Route 107 (Stockbridge area) – Mountain passes and not enough guardrails. One good rainstorm and you’re on mud.
  5. Route 17 (App Gap) – Twists like a snake and climbs fast. A driver’s nightmare in snow or fog.
  6. Kelly Stand Road (Searsburg) – Dirt and isolation. You’ll lose cell service and possibly your undercarriage.
  7. Route 108 (Smugglers’ Notch) – Seasonally closed, but people still try to push through. Don’t be one of them.
  8. Lincoln Gap Road – Just avoid it. It’s basically a hiking trail someone paved.
  9. Route 15 (Hardwick to Morristown) – Flooding danger, especially during late spring thaw.
  10. Danby Mountain Road – Off-grid and often washed out. The sort of place AAA won’t find you.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Conditions

You can have the best 4×4 on the market, but without the skills to match, you’re still a target. Here’s what every survivalist driver needs to master:

  1. Off-Road Navigation – Learn to read terrain and use topographic maps. GPS is unreliable in power outages or remote terrain.
  2. Throttle Feathering – Control your gas pedal in slippery conditions. Over-acceleration leads to spinning out or getting stuck.
  3. Tire Patching and Plugging – Know how to plug a tire on the fly. Keep a kit in your glove box, and practice before it matters.
  4. Field Tire Inflation – A hand pump or portable compressor can save your ride. Drop PSI on snow; boost it back for gravel.
  5. Braking in Skid Conditions – Don’t slam the brakes. Learn threshold braking and cadence braking for older vehicles without ABS.
  6. River and Flood Crossing Judgment – Never guess depth. A 12-inch current can float most vehicles. Know when to turn back.
  7. Spotting Hazards Ahead – Train your eyes to read the road 15 seconds ahead. It buys you time to react or reroute.
  8. Driving in Reverse at Speed – Sounds crazy? Try navigating a narrow escape route in reverse without stalling or crashing.
  9. Using Mirrors Like a Pro – Your mirrors are your sixth sense. Check every 10 seconds. Blind spots kill in disasters.
  10. Utilizing Low Gears – Downshift for better control in snow, mud, or downhill slopes. Don’t burn your brakes.
  11. Driving in Convoy Formation – Stick to 3-second gaps, signal intentions, and never bunch up. Panic leads to pileups.
  12. Navigating Without Lights – Cover tail lights with tape if you’re bugging out at night. Stay under the radar.
  13. Knowing When to Ditch – If your car’s stuck and burning gas, abandon it and hike. Your life is worth more than your ride.
  14. Distraction-Free Driving – Silence the phone. Every second counts. Your focus is your strongest survival tool.
  15. Fuel Conservation Techniques – Coast when you can. Idle as little as possible. Draft behind large vehicles (safely) to reduce drag.

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

When the needle’s on E and there’s no gas station for 50 miles, ingenuity keeps you moving. Here are three tricks I’ve used or witnessed in the field:

  1. Siphon and Filter
    If you’re in a pinch and spot an abandoned vehicle, you can siphon gas with a tube and gravity. Just make sure to filter it through a shirt, coffee filter, or even moss to catch debris before pouring it into your tank.
  2. Alcohol-Based Emergency Burn
    In a gasoline shortfall, denatured alcohol or isopropyl (91% or higher) can be used sparingly in older engines. This is for carbureted engines only—fuel-injected systems may not tolerate it well. It’s risky, but it can get you a few extra miles.
  3. Pressurized Bottle Fuel Pump
    Repurpose a soda bottle with a tire valve stem and a bit of hose. Pressurize the bottle with a bike pump and gravity-feed fuel into your engine. This works best with lawn equipment fuel tanks but can keep an old ATV alive in a pinch.

Final Thoughts From the Road

Survival is about preparation, skill, and knowing when to go and when to stay put. Vermont’s roads don’t forgive ignorance or indecision. In a disaster, they get slick, jammed, or vanish altogether. I’ve seen Subarus stranded and lifted trucks washed out. It’s not about what you drive—it’s how you drive it.

Know your routes. Scout secondary options. Keep maps printed and waterproofed. Fuel up before a storm, not after. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t trust your GPS when the sky’s falling—it doesn’t know that the bridge on Route 9 washed out last night.

Disasters favor the prepared and punish the reckless. Be the first, not the second.

Delaware’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Delaware’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Road Guide

When the sky turns black and the wind howls like a wild beast, the first thing most people think is: How do I get out? That’s a good instinct—but if you’re not prepared for what lies ahead on Delaware’s worst roads during a disaster, you could be driving yourself straight into a coffin.

I’ve traveled every back road, main artery, and washed-out path from the Appalachians to the Gulf, and let me tell you: few things are as deceptively dangerous as Delaware’s roadways during a crisis. You might think a small state means small problems. Think again. Between the flooding, high winds, coastal surges, and a few poorly planned escape routes, Delaware turns into a death trap when Mother Nature gets moody.

So if you want to survive, you’d better know which roads to avoid, what skills to hone, and how to make your vehicle keep going even when your gas tank taps out. Here’s your survivalist’s guide.

Delaware’s Most Dangerous Roads During a Disaster

  1. Coastal Highway (Route 1)
    This scenic stretch may offer views of the Atlantic, but in a storm surge, it disappears under water faster than a stone. Coastal Highway is notorious for flooding. Avoid it at all costs during hurricanes or Nor’easters.
  2. US-13 (DuPont Highway)
    While it’s a major evacuation route, it becomes easily congested and riddled with accidents under pressure. One breakdown and you’re boxed in. Bad visibility and panic drivers make this stretch treacherous.
  3. Route 9 (Bay Road)
    Flanked by marshlands and low-lying terrain, Route 9 is practically a canal waiting to happen. In heavy rain or tidal flooding, this road is impassable.
  4. I-95 Around Wilmington
    Under normal circumstances, I-95 through Wilmington is a mess. Add disaster conditions—power outages, debris, or civil unrest—and you’ve got a rolling parking lot with nowhere to run.
  5. Kirkwood Highway (Route 2)
    Overbuilt and underprepared for high volumes during an emergency, this road becomes a choke point, especially if bridges are compromised.
  6. Route 404 Westbound
    This is a prime evacuation road for beachgoers—but a single stalled car or overturned truck can shut it down. During an emergency, this road is as reliable as a paper umbrella in a monsoon.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Master Before a Disaster

Driving in a disaster is more than stepping on the gas. It’s knowing when to hit the brakes, when to go off-road, and how to keep your vehicle and yourself alive. Here are 15 must-have survival driving skills:

  1. Flood Navigation
    Learn to gauge water depth. Six inches of water can stall a car, twelve can carry it away. Know when to power through or back off.
  2. Manual Shifting Knowledge
    In an emergency, you may end up in an old stick-shift vehicle. Know how to drive manual—no excuses.
  3. Brake Modulation
    Understand how to gently apply pressure during rain or gravel to prevent skidding. ABS doesn’t solve everything.
  4. Tactical U-Turns
    Practice making sharp, efficient turnarounds in tight spots. Seconds count in a crisis.
  5. Obstacle Evasion
    Learn to maneuver around debris quickly and safely. High-speed steering without flipping is a skill that could save your life.
  6. Off-Road Techniques
    Gravel, mud, and field driving techniques are essential. You might have to leave the pavement behind.
  7. Tire Repair and Change
    Know how to patch, plug, or fully replace a tire without needing roadside assistance.
  8. Fuel Efficiency Tactics
    Learn to drive economically—no heavy acceleration or braking. This extends your range when gas is scarce.
  9. Driving Without Headlights
    In a blackout or stealth scenario, you may need to run dark. Practice using low-light tactics and night vision driving.
  10. Use of Maps and Compasses
    Don’t rely on GPS. Learn to navigate with a paper map and a compass when satellites fail.
  11. Winching and Vehicle Recovery
    Know how to use a winch, traction mats, or tow straps to get unstuck.
  12. Driving with Compromised Vision
    Smoke, fog, or mud on the windshield—know how to keep your bearings when you can’t see much.
  13. Engine and Battery Basics
    Being able to diagnose common engine issues or jump a dead battery could be the difference between escape and entrapment.
  14. Driving Under Stress
    Practice staying calm in high-pressure situations. Panic leads to poor decisions and fatal outcomes.
  15. Emergency Signaling and Communication
    Use your vehicle to signal for help or coordinate with others without electronics.

3 DIY Gasless Driving Hacks That Actually Work

Let’s face it. You’re going to run out of gas eventually. It’s a matter of when, not if. Here are three DIY survival hacks to keep you moving:

1. Siphon Like a Pro

In desperate times, you can’t be squeamish. Use a clear tube and a container. Insert one end into the gas tank of an abandoned vehicle (assuming it’s ethical and necessary), the other into a container. Suck until the fuel flows, then let gravity do the rest. Pro tip: If you carry a siphon pump, you never need to risk getting a mouthful of gas.

2. Convert Small Engines into Backup Power

Got a lawnmower engine or portable generator? In a pinch, you can use it to power a makeshift electric drive for small-scale movement or charge your car’s battery if you’ve converted to electric. This is advanced, but if you’re crafty with wiring, it’s not impossible.

3. Gas from Unexpected Sources

Don’t overlook boats, lawn equipment, RVs, or even emergency roadside vehicles. Boats especially are often fueled and forgotten. Use your siphoning skills, but be aware: old fuel may be degraded. Consider carrying a small inline filter or fuel stabilizer packet in your bug-out bag.

Additional Road Survival Tips for Delaware

  • Always carry a paper map of the state and its neighboring ones. GPS may not work when towers go down.
  • Keep a storm-proof firestarter, compact stove, and MREs in your trunk. You may be sleeping in that car.
  • Don’t forget water jugs and a life straw. Delaware’s low-lying areas may flood, but potable water will still be scarce.
  • Bring boots and a poncho. If you abandon your car, you better be ready to walk through hell to get to safety.

Final Thought from a Survivalist

I’ve driven out of war zones, over frozen tundras, and through jungles that swallowed whole convoys. Delaware may not look like a warzone—but in a full-blown disaster, its roads can become every bit as deadly. Whether it’s a hurricane, grid failure, or a full societal collapse, survival favors the prepared.

If you’re reading this, you’ve got time. Use it. Scout your routes, master your vehicle, and above all—respect the road. It doesn’t care about your plans, your GPS signal, or your prayers.

But if you’ve got the skills, the mindset, and the drive (literally), you’ll make it out. And when you do, don’t forget the ones who didn’t prepare.

Pennsylvania’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

  1. Throttle Control on Ice
    Ease into the gas. Hammering it just spins tires. Survival driving is about finesse, not force.
  2. Threshold Braking
    Master this on wet asphalt. It’s that fine line between locked wheels and total stop. Crucial during fast-developing pile-ups.
  3. Handbrake Turning
    Sometimes a 3-point turn gets you killed. A handbrake pivot can swing you 180 in seconds on gravel or ice.
  4. 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.
  5. Spotting Escape Routes
    Constantly scan for drainage ditches, medians, and off-road paths. Sometimes you go through a field, not around it.
  6. Driving in Convoys
    Keep radio contact. Maintain enough space to swerve if the lead car gets ambushed—or crashes.
  7. Navigating Without GPS
    Old-school maps never run out of batteries. Know the stars, know the sun, and read the land.
  8. Reverse Maneuvers Under Stress
    Practice backing up full speed, around bends. You’ll need it in alleys or tunnel retreats.
  9. Driving With a Trailer
    Evac with a bug-out trailer? Learn how to reverse it properly—especially in tight spots.
  10. Night Driving Without Lights
    Use night vision if you got it. Otherwise, drive under starlight to avoid detection.
  11. Spotting Road Hazards
    Sinkholes, black ice, and fallen power lines are all over PA. Keep your eyes moving, and trust your gut.
  12. 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.
  13. Changing a Tire Fast, in the Dark
    Practice this blindfolded. One flare or flashlight gives away your position. Silence and speed are life-saving.
  14. 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.
  15. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.