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

On June 3, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Hampshire, New Hampshire's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

New Hampshire’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Guide to Driving Out Alive

I’ve been around the globe, traversing jungles, deserts, mountains, and urban jungles alike. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the terrain and road conditions during a disaster dictate your survival chances behind the wheel. New Hampshire, with its rugged landscapes, winding roads, and unpredictable weather, poses unique challenges when disaster strikes.

From flash floods washing out highways to ice-covered mountain passes, the Granite State’s roads can turn from familiar routes to survival trials in moments. When everything’s at stake, your ability to drive smart and resourceful is a life-saving skill. Here’s my rundown on the worst roads to navigate in New Hampshire during a disaster—and how to survive them, including survival driving skills and some off-the-grid hacks to keep you rolling.

The Worst Roads to Drive in New Hampshire During a Disaster

1. Kancamagus Highway (NH-112):
This scenic byway is stunning in good weather but deadly when disaster hits. Narrow, winding, and surrounded by dense forest, this road is prone to landslides, fallen trees, and flash flooding during storms. Snow and ice in winter only add to the peril.

2. Route 302 through Crawford Notch:
A vital corridor through the White Mountains, Route 302 is a rocky, narrow path with steep cliffs. Rockslides, avalanches, and ice can turn this route into a nightmare, cutting off escape routes.

3. Route 16 in the Ossipee Mountains:
Often used as a major north-south artery, this highway gets slick and treacherous with heavy rain or snow. Flooding can easily wash out sections, stranding drivers.

4. Bear Notch Road:
A steep, unpaved, and narrow mountain road often used for hiking access. It’s the kind of place that’s beautiful but unforgiving if you get caught during a disaster—mudslides and falling rocks are common.

5. Mount Washington Auto Road:
Though mostly for tourists, this road is the epitome of danger in bad weather—extreme weather can come fast, and the road has sheer drops with no guardrails in many spots.

Survival Driving Skills to Drive Your Way Out of Disaster

You might think just knowing how to drive is enough. It isn’t. You’ve got to be adaptable, calm, and technically skilled. Here are 15 survival driving skills I rely on:

1. Situational Awareness: Constantly scan the road, weather, and surroundings for hazards like falling rocks, sudden flooding, or stranded vehicles.

2. Controlled Braking: Avoid sudden stops. Use gentle, consistent pressure on brakes to maintain control, especially on slippery roads.

3. Threshold Braking: When emergency stopping, brake just before the wheels lock, maximizing stopping power without losing traction.

4. Off-Road Maneuvering: Know how to safely drive through mud, gravel, or dirt if roads are washed out or blocked.

5. Controlled Skid Recovery: When you lose traction, steer into the skid to regain control rather than overcorrecting.

6. Defensive Driving: Anticipate what other drivers or obstacles might do and plan escape routes.

7. Hill Climbing and Descending: Use low gears to control speed on steep inclines or declines, avoiding brake overheating or loss of control.

8. Tire Pressure Management: Lowering tire pressure slightly can increase traction in mud or snow but be cautious not to go too low.

9. Emergency Lane Usage: Be prepared to use shoulders or off-road areas to bypass blockages.

10. Night Driving in Poor Visibility: Use fog lights and low beams, avoid high beams in fog, and reduce speed.

11. Water Hazard Navigation: Know how to cross shallow floodwaters safely; avoid fast-moving water deeper than six inches.

12. Vehicle Weight Distribution: Understand how cargo placement affects handling, especially on slippery or uneven terrain.

13. Maintaining Momentum: When stuck in mud or snow, avoid spinning tires; gentle, consistent throttle helps keep traction.

14. Manual Transmission Mastery: Knowing how to control your vehicle without relying on automatic transmission aids in tricky spots.

15. Emergency Evacuation Route Planning: Always have alternate routes mapped out and avoid relying on GPS alone, which can fail or reroute dangerously during disasters.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Getting stranded without fuel is a worst-case scenario. In a disaster, help might be hours or days away. Here’s how to keep moving:

1. Use a DIY Gravity Fuel Feed:
If you have any extra gasoline in a container, you can rig a gravity feed line from the container to your fuel tank filler neck. Elevate the container above your car’s gas tank and use a flexible tube (like a cleaned-out garden hose). Open the fuel cap, insert the tube, and let gravity slowly feed the fuel into your tank. This is a slow process but can give you enough to limp to safety.

2. Create a Charcoal Briquette Starter for Emergency Heat:
When stuck and cold, keep charcoal briquettes in a small metal container inside your car, along with a small amount of dry kindling. This can be ignited carefully (outside the vehicle, with ventilation) to provide heat or help you start a small fire to melt snow for water, which could indirectly help you survive until rescue.

3. Convert Household Alcohol to Emergency Fuel (With Extreme Caution):
If you’re desperate and have access to high-proof alcohol (like ethanol-based hand sanitizer or spirits), it can be used as a fuel additive or emergency fuel in some vehicles. This requires careful mixing and knowledge of your engine type. Not ideal, but in a pinch, this can keep a vehicle running enough to escape immediate danger.

Additional Survival Tips for Driving New Hampshire’s Disaster-Prone Roads

Keep a Comprehensive Survival Kit in Your Vehicle: Include extra fuel, food, water, first aid, flares, a multi-tool, tire repair kit, and a portable air compressor.
Use All-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive if Possible: New Hampshire’s roads during disaster demand the traction these provide.
Practice Off-Road Driving: Before disaster hits, get familiar with how your vehicle handles off-road conditions; many escape routes won’t be paved.
Learn Basic Vehicle Repairs: Knowing how to change a tire, fix a broken belt, or jump-start your battery can be the difference between life and death.
Stay Informed: Use weather radios and disaster apps to stay ahead of road closures or hazards.
Travel During Daylight: Visibility is critical; avoid night driving when possible.
Drive with a Buddy: If possible, travel with another vehicle for mutual aid.

Final Thoughts

New Hampshire’s natural beauty can quickly turn into a survival gauntlet during disasters. The roads that twist through the White Mountains and winding byways demand more than just a steady hand—they require knowledge, skill, and preparation. Driving yourself to safety isn’t just about having a reliable vehicle; it’s about mastering survival driving techniques and being resourceful when things go sideways.

I’ve driven in deserts where sand swallowed cars, jungles where mud dragged tires, and mountains where ice shattered vehicles. What’s common everywhere is this: preparation plus skill equals survival. Equip yourself, train yourself, and respect the roads—because in a disaster, your vehicle might just be your last lifeline.

Maryland’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 2, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Maryland, Maryland Preppers, Maryland's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Maryland’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster (And How to Survive Them)
By a Well-Traveled Survivalist Who’s Seen More Than One Apocalypse Coming Over the Horizon

Disasters don’t wait for the weather to clear, the traffic to thin, or your gas tank to fill up. Whether it’s a hurricane bearing down on the Chesapeake, a Nor’easter crashing across the Appalachians, or a cascade of man-made chaos clogging the I-95 corridor, Maryland has more than its fair share of roads that’ll turn a bad day into a nightmare.

I’ve driven the swampy logging routes of the Deep South, carved wheel paths through the deserts of New Mexico, and braved snow-walled passes in the Rockies. But few places test your mettle like Maryland in a full-blown disaster. It’s a mix of suburban sprawl, tight mountain roads, waterfront lowlands, and decades-old infrastructure built for a population half its current size.

Here’s my take on Maryland’s worst roads during a disaster—and more importantly, how to survive them.

The Roads You Should Avoid Unless You’re Desperate—or Skilled

1. I-95 Through Baltimore
This beast is always congested. In a disaster, it’s the first to jam up with panicked drivers. Bridges, tunnels, and limited exits make it a trap if you don’t know your detours.

2. Route 50 Eastbound to the Bay Bridge
On a holiday weekend, this stretch looks like a parking lot. Add a hurricane evacuation and you’ve got a recipe for gridlock from Annapolis to Queenstown.

3. I-270 Corridor Between Frederick and the D.C. Beltway
A death funnel of commuter traffic. During an emergency, the already-bottlenecked lanes become impassable. Back roads may be your only option.

4. Route 1 Through College Park
Choked with lights, pedestrians, and poor drainage. Avoid it when the rain starts falling—flooding is a real problem here.

5. I-70 Near Ellicott City
Heavy truck traffic and tight turns combine with steep elevation. Add snow or flooding and it’s game over.

6. Route 2 (Ritchie Hwy) Through Glen Burnie
Urban sprawl, constant commercial traffic, and confusing side streets make this a slow death in any emergency scenario.

7. MD-140 Between Westminster and Reisterstown
Hilly terrain and a lack of shoulder space turn minor accidents into massive pileups.

8. MD-32 Between Columbia and Annapolis
Known for fast-moving traffic and sudden slowdowns. In a bug-out scenario, the margin for error disappears.

9. I-83 Jones Falls Expressway
A concrete chute through Baltimore prone to accidents and flooding. No shoulders mean no mercy.

10. US-301 South of Waldorf
A long, flat corridor that bottlenecks at every town along the way. One wreck and you’re stuck behind miles of brake lights.

15 Survival Driving Skills That’ll Keep You Alive

You don’t need to be a stunt driver to survive a disaster—but you do need to think like one. Here are 15 hard-earned skills every survivalist driver should master:

Reverse Driving at Speed – Learn to back up quickly and in control. Sometimes there’s no room to turn around.
Tactical U-Turns – Not all U-turns are legal or easy. Know how to execute a quick 3-point or bootleg turn under pressure.
Driving Without Headlights – Essential for stealth at night. Learn to use peripheral lighting and ambient glow to see without being seen.
Engine Braking – In rough terrain, using gears to slow the vehicle prevents brake failure and loss of control.
Emergency Lane Changes – Quick, controlled swerves to avoid obstacles or evade threats.
Skid Recovery on Ice or Wet Pavement – Practice counter-steering and throttle control until it’s instinct.
Off-Road Navigation Without GPS – Know how to read terrain and follow utility lines, ridgelines, or watercourses.
Water Crossing Techniques – Know your vehicle’s wading depth and never cross fast-moving water. Walk it first if unsure.
Driving with Damaged Tires – A tire plug kit, compressor, and knowing how to drive on a flat can keep you moving.
Spotting Ambush Points – Pay attention to chokepoints, overpasses, or blind curves—classic ambush zones.
Using Vehicles as Cover – In active threat situations, park at angles to create visual and ballistic cover.
Silent Parking & Idling – Practice arriving undetected: lights off, coast in, engine kill, brake gently.
Urban Evacuation Tactics – Don’t follow traffic. Use alleys, sidewalks, and parking structures if needed.
Fuel Rationing While Driving – Maintain constant speed, limit acceleration, and coast when possible.
Using a Manual Transmission When Power Fails – Know how to clutch start a manual if your battery’s dead.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Even the best-prepared can run dry. Here’s how to cheat the system when the pumps are down:

1. Siphon from Lawn Equipment and Abandoned Vehicles
Keep a siphon pump or tubing in your emergency kit. Don’t forget to check boats, motorcycles, RVs—anything with a tank.

2. Emergency Fuel from Alcohol-Based Products
Gasoline engines can sometimes run short-term on denatured alcohol or ethanol-heavy fuels (like E85), though it’s hard on the engine. Use only in desperation. Make sure to filter first.

3. Gravity-Feed Jerry Can Setup
If your fuel pump dies, rig a gravity feed system using a jerry can strapped above the engine line. Run a fuel-safe hose directly to the carburetor or intake line.

Tactical Advice: Maryland Edition

Now let’s bring it home to Maryland. The Chesapeake region is a hotbed of natural and manmade threats: hurricanes, coastal flooding, chemical spills, even cyberattacks disrupting traffic signals. If you’re caught in a disaster, every second counts. Don’t follow the herd. Most evac plans will funnel everyone onto a few major arteries, and those are the first to fail.

Instead:

Know your county’s emergency routes. Memorize them—not just the map, but the feel of the road at night, in rain, under stress.
Use railroad access roads, utility trails, and undeveloped fire lanes. They often run parallel to major roads but are less traveled.
Scout in advance. Take day trips to explore backwoods passes across Harford, Carroll, and Garrett Counties—places where traffic can’t follow.
Keep a bug-out vehicle that isn’t flashy. Something with 4WD, good clearance, and preferably without fancy electronics that can fail under EMP or flood conditions.

Parting Thoughts from the Driver’s Seat

I’ve spent nights under the stars in a Humvee outside Kandahar, and I’ve crawled through DC traffic with a Geiger counter on the dash during a drill that got way too real. If there’s one truth that crosses all terrain and all threat levels, it’s this:

The road to survival isn’t the fastest. It’s the one only a few know.

Don’t wait until the sky turns green or the sirens wail. Know your routes, tune your ride, and drive like your life depends on it—because one day, it just might.

Louisiana’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 2, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Louisiana, Louisiana Preppers, Louisiana's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

I’ve driven through war zones in the Middle East, flash floods in Indonesia, and blackouts in California, but let me tell you something straight—Louisiana’s roads during a disaster? They’ll test every ounce of grit, patience, and tactical skill you’ve got behind the wheel.

The roads here aren’t just roads—they’re trapdoors waiting to open. Bayous overflow, pavement buckles, potholes morph into craters, and if you’re not paying attention, you might just end up swallowed by a backwater swamp or stuck on a bridge that’s now a boat ramp. Hurricanes, flash floods, tornadoes, and heat waves? The Bayou State gets them all. And when it hits the fan, knowing which roads to avoid and how to maneuver becomes the line between making it out or becoming part of the debris.

The Louisiana Gauntlet: Roads to Avoid When It All Goes South

Here are some of the worst roads in Louisiana during a disaster—routes you should avoid like a rattlesnake in your boot:

I-10 between Baton Rouge and Lafayette
Flood-prone and prone to traffic bottlenecks, especially around the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. If the water doesn’t get you, the stalled traffic will.
I-610 in New Orleans
A deathtrap during hurricanes. Low elevation, lots of exits prone to flooding, and traffic that grinds to a halt fast.
US-90 near Morgan City
This area’s like a sponge—it soaks up floodwaters and keeps them. Debris, broken asphalt, and submerged stretches are common.
LA-1 South to Grand Isle
Beautiful under normal skies, but it’s a one-way ticket to being stranded when the Gulf decides to rage.
I-20 near Shreveport
During tornado season, it turns into a wind tunnel. Add low visibility from storms, and it’s a high-speed hazard.
Airline Highway (US-61)
Passes through flood-prone and urban zones. Infrastructure’s outdated, and during a crisis, it’s a twisted mess.
Causeway Bridge over Lake Pontchartrain
Don’t let its beauty fool you. High winds, zero shelter, and panic drivers make it lethal in a storm.
LA-70 through Assumption Parish
A scenic drive turned swampy rollercoaster when the water rises.
Chef Menteur Highway
Long, flat, and exposed—especially dangerous during storm surge conditions.
River Road in Baton Rouge
Flirts with the Mississippi. One good surge and the whole route can disappear.

Now that you know what roads to think twice about, let’s get into how you survive them when you don’t have a choice.

15 Survival Driving Skills That’ll Keep You Alive in a Disaster

Situational Awareness
Scan the road, your mirrors, the skies, and even other drivers. Awareness keeps you ahead of danger by minutes, which is a lifetime in a disaster.
Off-Road Maneuvering
Learn how to navigate mud, gravel, or grassy terrain. Sometimes the ditch is the road when the pavement’s gone.
Water Wading Judgment
Know how deep your vehicle can go. Six inches of water can cause loss of control. A foot? You’re floating.
Brake Feathering
Feather your brakes when you need control on slick roads—especially during heavy rain or floods.
Throttle Control
Smooth inputs save lives. Gunning it gets you stuck or sliding. Know when to creep and when to charge.
Evasive Maneuvering
Can you dodge a falling tree or swerving semi at 60 mph? Practice J-turns, quick swerves, and emergency braking.
Map Mastery
GPS may die. Paper maps don’t. Keep one in your glovebox with disaster escape routes marked in red.
Driving Without Headlights
Sometimes stealth matters. Know how to move silently and unseen—especially in looting-prone zones.
Mechanical Literacy
Know your vehicle. Change a tire blindfolded. Patch a radiator. Rig a fan belt with paracord if needed.
Fuel Economy Driving
No jackrabbit starts. Coast on declines. Save every drop because the next station might be 100 miles of chaos away.
Convoy Driving
If you’re with a group, learn to drive in formation. Keep spacing, use signals, and maintain visual contact.
Bridge & Overpass Assessment
Some look solid but are structurally weak after quakes or flooding. Don’t be the tester.
Night Vision Discipline
Use red light inside the vehicle. Don’t blind yourself or others with high beams when stealth or night travel’s essential.
Wind Awareness
Crosswinds can flip box trucks—and your SUV if it’s loaded top-heavy. Stay low-profile and move cautiously.
Urban Escape Routes
Study back alleys, industrial roads, and railway access paths. Cities will lock down fast—know the ratlines out.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Let’s say you’ve run out of fuel and you’re miles from help. Here’s how to MacGyver your way to another few miles or stay put safely:

1. The Campfire Fuel Extractor

If stranded with access to old vehicles or lawn equipment, siphon gas using a piece of hose and gravity. No hose? Melt a piece of hard plastic into a funnel and drain the fuel tank manually.

2. The Ethanol Boost

Got alcohol-based hand sanitizer, vodka, or even mouthwash? In small quantities, these can supplement gasoline in a pinch—IF your engine can handle it (older engines or multi-fuel vehicles only). Add no more than 10% volume and run gently.

3. Solar Battery Starter

No jump cables? Rig up solar lights or panels (many people have cheap solar garden lights) to trickle-charge your battery. Strip the wires, connect carefully to terminals, and give it time. It won’t start the car immediately, but over time can give you enough juice to crank once.

Final Thoughts from the Road

In Louisiana, roads are as wild as the swamps they cut through. When a disaster strikes, they morph into battlegrounds—where skill, preparation, and grit will mean more than any four-wheel drive badge on your bumper. You don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to your level of training. So, train now. Drive smart. Map your exits. Keep your gear close and your instincts sharper.

Remember, survival driving isn’t about speed—it’s about making decisions that keep you rolling when others are stuck, submerged, or stranded. From the Spanish moss-covered bridges near Slidell to the cracked pavement outside of Lake Charles, every inch of this land has a story. Make sure yours doesn’t end in the ditch.

Oregon’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 1, 2025 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Situational Awareness Driving – Don’t just drive—scan. Watch every mirror, road shoulder, and overpass. Know what’s around and what’s behind.
Evasive Maneuvering – Learn how to swerve safely at high speed. Practice J-turns and quick braking in controlled environments.
Driving Without GPS – Learn to read paper maps, landmarks, and follow the sun if needed.
High-Clearance Navigation – Know how to handle boulders, logs, and debris. Don’t get your oil pan torn open miles from help.
Throttle and Brake Control on Slippery Surfaces – Whether it’s ice or mud, smoothness is survival. Slam on the brakes and you’re spinning.
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.
Off-Road Trail Recovery – Know how to winch, tow, and use traction boards. When stuck, you need to be your own tow truck.
Driving with Blown Tires or Limited Visibility – Practice limping on a flat. Tape the side mirror if it’s busted. Improvise and move.
Engine Overheat Management – Know how to manage a temp gauge climbing fast. Turn on the heater, ease the throttle, and coast downhill.
Fuel Management and Efficiency Driving – Coasting, idling wisely, and using gravity when you can will stretch every drop.
Driving in a Smoke or Dust Cloud – Windows up, lights on low beam, stay to the right, and sound your horn regularly.
Silent Night Driving – At times, noise discipline matters. Learn how to coast and minimize your engine sound during covert escapes.
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.
Changing a Tire Under Pressure – Practice doing it in the dark, in the rain, fast. Because that’s how it’ll happen.
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.

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.
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.
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.

Idaho’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 1, 2025 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.

Alabama’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 1, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Alabama, Alabama's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Alabama’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life

Let me tell you something I’ve learned the hard way: roads can either save your life or seal your fate. I’ve driven through war zones, flood plains, and wildfire hellscapes—from the Andes to Appalachia—and one thing stays true no matter where you are: when the world turns upside down, your vehicle becomes your lifeline.

Now, I’ve got a deep respect for Alabama. The people are tough, the land is rich, but the roads? Well, in a disaster, they can become death traps. You’ve got narrow highways hugging cliffs, crumbling backroads, and choke points through every major city. When a hurricane, tornado, or grid-down crisis hits, you better know where to avoid—and how to drive like your life depends on it.

Because it just might.

The Deadliest Roads in Alabama When SHTF

Let’s get the lay of the land first. These roads are notorious for bottlenecks, poor maintenance, flood risks, or all three. Avoid them if possible in a disaster—unless you’ve got no choice, in which case you’d better be armed with skill and grit.

I-65 in Birmingham – A concrete artery clogged with wreckage even on a good day. In a disaster, this becomes a parking lot surrounded by desperation.
US 431 (The Highway to Hell) – Ranked one of America’s most dangerous highways. Rural, poorly lit, and winding. When panic hits, this road becomes lethal.
I-20/I-59 through Tuscaloosa – Twisting interstates with heavy truck traffic and notorious pile-ups. One wrong move and you’re caught in a metal maze.
AL-69 through Cullman County – Narrow, flood-prone, and lined with trees that come down like matchsticks in a storm.
County Road 137 (near Florala) – Bad pavement, blind turns, and limited cell service. Isolation here can turn deadly fast.
US 231 near Montgomery – High speeds, low visibility in fog or smoke, and not enough shoulders for emergency stops.
I-10 through Mobile – Prone to hurricane surge, flooding, and gridlock. You do not want to be stuck here as a storm rolls in.
AL-21 through Talladega National Forest – Remote, winding, and vulnerable to rockslides and fallen trees.
US 72 near Huntsville – Urban sprawl, high traffic, and flash flood danger make this road risky under pressure.
County Route 89 (Lookout Mountain Parkway) – Stunning views, but steep drops, tight curves, and zero forgiveness in icy or wet conditions.

15 Survival Driving Skills for When It All Goes Sideways

If you’re stuck driving during a disaster—fleeing a fire, outrunning a flood, or navigating the aftermath of civil unrest—you need more than a license. You need survival instincts behind the wheel. Here’s what I’ve learned over thousands of miles on the edge:

Off-Road Readiness
Learn how to take your vehicle off the asphalt. Practice driving through mud, sand, and shallow creeks. Most disasters force you off the paved path.
Reading Terrain Fast
Scan ahead for soft shoulders, unstable ground, or collapsed asphalt. Your eyes should be 5–10 seconds down the road at all times.
Momentum Conservation
In soft ground, momentum is life. Slow, steady acceleration prevents getting bogged down. Never stop moving unless absolutely necessary.
Threshold Braking
Learn to brake just before your tires lock up. This is key on slippery or flooded roads where ABS might fail or be overwhelmed.
J-Turns and Reverse Evasion
A J-turn isn’t just for Hollywood. Practice reversing at speed and turning 180° to escape roadblocks or ambushes.
Driving Without Power Steering or Brakes
Ever lost power mid-drive? Most people freeze. Practice manual steering and pumping brakes in a dead engine scenario.
Situational Awareness
Know your 360°. Keep track of what’s behind, beside, and ahead of you—especially in urban chaos where threats come from all angles.
Fuel Scavenging Knowledge
Learn which vehicles use compatible fuel types. Modern gas has ethanol, but old-school mechanics can tell you how to mix and match in a pinch.
Navigating Without GPS
GPS fails. Learn to read a paper map, recognize north without a compass, and memorize cardinal directions.
Driving in Total Darkness
Use your high beams judiciously. Drive with no lights if necessary, using moonlight and memory. Eyes take 15–30 minutes to adjust.
Crossing Flooded Roads
Never cross water unless you know it’s less than a foot deep. Walk it first. Watch for current and washout holes.
Improvised Traction Techniques
Use floor mats, branches, or sandbags to get unstuck from mud or snow.
Silent Driving Techniques
Sometimes stealth beats speed. Coast downhill in neutral, drive without headlights, and avoid honking unless it’s life or death.
Avoiding Choke Points
Plan routes with at least three exit paths. Avoid bridges, tunnels, and underpasses unless absolutely necessary.
Vehicle Self-Recovery
Learn to use a come-along winch, jack, or tow strap solo. Don’t rely on help. Assume you are the help.

3 DIY Fuel Hacks When You Run Dry

No gas? No problem—if you’ve got the know-how and a little bushcraft grit.

Siphoning From Abandoned Vehicles
Keep a hand-pump siphon hose in your vehicle. Look for cars in shade (less evaporation) and check tanks by knocking near the rear wheel well. Be respectful—only siphon from truly abandoned vehicles.
Alcohol Fuel Substitution
In an emergency, high-proof alcohol (like moonshine or ethanol) can run in older carbureted engines or converted flex-fuel vehicles. It burns hotter and faster, so use sparingly and only if you understand your engine.
Fuel Bladder Storage
Don’t rely on the tank alone. Keep a collapsible fuel bladder hidden in your trunk or strapped under the chassis. Rotate stored fuel every few months to avoid phase separation or water contamination.

Final Word from the Driver’s Seat

Disasters strip away the luxury of inexperience. When you’re racing down US 431 as a wildfire chews up the woods behind you, or crawling through waterlogged I-10 with your kids in the backseat, what you do behind the wheel matters. Not just for you—but for everyone you’re trying to protect.

You don’t need a military-grade vehicle or a doomsday bunker on wheels. What you need is skill, mindset, and mobility. You need to look at your vehicle not as a machine—but as your escape route, your shelter, and sometimes, your weapon.

Know your terrain. Respect your machine. Never panic.
Drive smart. Drive hard. Survive.

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

On May 31, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Nevada RoadsLeave a comment

I’ve driven through every kind of terrain this country has to offer. From the snow-packed switchbacks of the Rockies to the swampy trails of the Deep South. But nothing — and I mean nothing — tests a driver’s nerve like Nevada’s back roads during a natural disaster.

This state isn’t just vast; it’s harsh. Endless basins, razorback ridges, crumbling highways, and sudden weather shifts turn the Silver State into a survivalist’s gauntlet. If you’re ever caught out here when the big one hits — be it wildfire, flash flood, or an earthquake — knowing which roads to avoid and how to drive your way out might just save your life.

The High-Risk Highways and Byways

You need to understand: Nevada’s not all glitter and poker chips. Step outside Las Vegas or Reno, and you’re facing long stretches of desolate land. Most of the roads weren’t built for resilience — they were built fast and cheap during the boom times, and many haven’t seen serious maintenance in decades.

Here are the roads you need to avoid in a disaster:

US-50 (The Loneliest Road in America) – Beautiful? Yes. Practical in a disaster? No. With hundreds of miles of isolation and minimal services, a breakdown here could be your last.
NV-318 – Fast-moving floods have taken out sections of this road in the past. It becomes a trap in heavy rains.
US-93 North of Ely – Cracks, buckles, and poor signage mean you’ll be playing a dangerous guessing game if the GPS goes out.
SR-447 (Gerlach to Nixon) – Known to Burners heading to Black Rock, but not built for sustained traffic or emergency detours.
I-15 Near Mesquite – Crowded, especially during evacuations from Vegas. One wreck and you’re stuck with thousands.
US-95 Between Tonopah and Hawthorne – High winds and poor visibility from dust storms have caused deadly pileups.
SR-375 (Extraterrestrial Highway) – Cool name, bad lifeline. Services are scarce, and the road can vanish beneath flash floods.
Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway – Landslides, snow, and rockfalls make this route highly unstable during seismic or storm activity.
SR-278 (Eureka to Carlin) – Limited escape routes and heavy ranch truck traffic mean slow evacuations.
Goldfield to Beatty Road – This stretch is as ghostly as the towns it connects. A sinkhole once opened right in the middle of the two-lane road.

In a disaster, these roads go from inconvenient to deadly. Your best defense? Preparation, skill, and adaptability.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Get You Out Alive

When roads fail, it’s not horsepower that saves you — it’s skill. Here’s what you need to master:

Situational Awareness – Always scan for exits, hazards, alternate routes, and natural cover.
Off-Road Navigation – Know how to transition from asphalt to dirt without damaging your vehicle or losing control.
Reading Terrain – Learn to identify mud traps, sand pits, and rock hazards before you’re in them.
Driving Without GPS – When satellites fail, a compass, paper map, or just the sun’s position can steer you right.
Driving on Flat Tires – Sometimes, forward motion is your only option. Know how to keep going on a rim temporarily.
Escape and Evasion Maneuvers – Learn quick-turn techniques like the J-turn or bootlegger reverse to evade blocked paths or hostile encounters.
Driving at Night Without Headlights – Use the moon and ambient light to avoid detection or conserve battery when stealth matters.
Fuel Rationing Techniques – Accelerate smoothly, avoid hard braking, and coast when possible to stretch every drop.
Water Crossing Tactics – Know depth limits and current speeds. Fast water kills engines — and people.
Weight Distribution – Don’t overload one side. Balance your load to maintain control on uneven ground.
Braking Without ABS – Pump your brakes manually in older or stripped-down vehicles to avoid skidding.
Defensive Driving Under Stress – Tunnel vision can kill. Stay calm, even if the world’s on fire.
Tire Repair in the Field – Carry plugs, a compressor, and know how to use them. Duct tape won’t cut it.
Using Mirrors to Spot Threats – Check for looters, wild animals, or incoming hazards while maintaining your pace.
Driving Through Debris – Angle your tires to push over small rubble, not absorb it.

3 DIY Gasless Driving Hacks

Running out of gas out here isn’t a maybe — it’s a when. Here’s how to squeeze the most out of your options:

1. Solar Still for Fuel Recovery

In the heat of Nevada, old fuel tanks and gas cans can leak or evaporate. If you come across abandoned vehicles, use a siphon tube and a solar still to extract residual fuel. Lay out a black tarp inside the trunk or rear bed, create a funnel with tubing, and place a container underneath. The sun’s heat can help recover vapors and tiny fuel remnants over hours. Slow? Yes. Lifesaving? Also yes.

2. Gravity-Fed Fuel System

When dealing with older vehicles (carbureted engines, mostly), you can rig a gravity-fed fuel system using a hanging fuel container. Mount it higher than the engine and connect it with fuel line tubing. It’s crude, but it works — especially when your fuel pump is shot or power’s gone.

3. Biofuel Burn Conversion

If you find cooking oil or animal fat (yes, it happens on ranch roads), you can blend it with residual diesel to power older diesel engines. It’s dirty and smelly, but enough heat and filtration will get the engine running in an emergency. Don’t try this on modern engines unless you want to turn your vehicle into a lawn ornament.

Final Thoughts from the Driver’s Seat

Disaster doesn’t send an RSVP. When it strikes, Nevada’s roads become survival tests, not transportation systems. You won’t have time to plan once things go wrong — so you plan now.

Load your vehicle like your life depends on it — because it will. Keep water, a field repair kit, spare tires, fuel canisters, and navigation tools within reach. Practice your skills. Know your roads. Trust no route without proof it’s clear. And above all, when everyone’s panicking and honking and spinning their wheels — you keep calm, shift gears, and drive out.

Because when the highway becomes a war zone, the survivor isn’t the one with the biggest truck — it’s the one who knows how to use it.