North Carolina’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 5, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn North Carolina, North Carolina Survival Preppers, North Carolina's Worst Roads to DriveLeave a comment

When the storm clouds gather and the ground starts to tremble, your vehicle becomes more than just a mode of transportation—it’s your lifeline. But not all roads are created equal when it comes to survival. In North Carolina, certain routes are particularly treacherous during disaster scenarios, especially when floods, landslides, or infrastructure failures strike. As a seasoned survivalist, I’ve traversed these perilous paths and learned firsthand which roads to avoid when the SHTF.

1. Interstate 40 – Pigeon River Gorge

The Pigeon River Gorge section of I-40, stretching from the Tennessee border to Waynesville, is notorious for its narrow lanes, steep grades, and frequent fog. This area has seen numerous fatal accidents due to limited maneuvering space and challenging weather conditions. In disaster scenarios, such as landslides or flooding, this stretch becomes even more hazardous, with limited escape routes and high traffic congestion. dangerousroads.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2southernliving.com+2

2. U.S. Highway 129 – Tail of the Dragon

The Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 129 near the Tennessee border, is infamous for its 318 curves. While popular among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, this road is perilous during disasters. The tight turns and lack of guardrails make it especially dangerous in adverse conditions, leading to a high rate of accidents. dangerousroads.org

3. Blue Ridge Parkway

While the Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking views, its steep drops, sharp turns, and frequent fog, especially at higher elevations, pose significant risks during disasters. In winter, the road can become icy and treacherous, leading to numerous closures and accidents. The narrow roadways and unpredictable weather make it a challenging route to navigate in emergency situations. dangerousroads.org

4. Cherohala Skyway

Connecting North Carolina with Tennessee, the Cherohala Skyway climbs to elevations over 5,400 feet. The high altitude leads to rapidly changing weather conditions, including fog and icy patches, making it perilous during disasters. The road is long and isolated, with few guardrails and minimal cell service, increasing the difficulty of emergency response. dangerousroads.org+1southernliving.com+1

5. North Carolina Highway 12 – Outer Banks Scenic Byway

Highway 12, running along the Outer Banks, is vulnerable to flooding, especially during nor’easters and hurricanes. Sections of the road have been washed away in severe storms, isolating residents and travelers. The combination of wet pavement, strong storms, and potential washouts makes this route dangerous during disaster scenarios. charlotteinjurylawyersblog.com+1injury.arnoldsmithlaw.com+1

6. Interstate 85

Interstate 85, connecting North Carolina with surrounding states, is heavily trafficked by large commercial trucks. The high volume of vehicles, combined with sections lacking adequate lighting, increases the risk of accidents, particularly during nighttime or adverse weather conditions. In disaster situations, the potential for multi-vehicle pile-ups and delays in emergency response is significant. injury.arnoldsmithlaw.com

7. U.S. Highway 64 – Franklin to Highlands

This stretch of U.S. Highway 64 is known for its narrow lanes and high rate of fatal crashes. The combination of truck traffic and challenging terrain makes it particularly dangerous during disasters. Sections of the highway can become impassable due to landslides or flooding, complicating evacuation and emergency response efforts. charlotteinjurylawyersblog.com

8. Secondary Roads in Eastern Carolina

In the aftermath of winter storms, secondary roads in Eastern Carolina remain hazardous due to ice and snow accumulation. For instance, Highway 102 in Pitt County was covered with a sheet of ice, making it a slippery drive. These backroads are often not maintained promptly, increasing the risk of accidents and delays in emergency services. witn.com

9. Private Roads in Rural Western North Carolina

In rural areas like Yancey County, many private roads remain impassable months after disasters due to lack of maintenance and repair. For example, Green Leaf Road became nearly undrivable after a storm, delaying emergency medical care and isolating residents. The poor condition of these roads can hinder evacuation and emergency response efforts. washingtonpost.com

10. Interstate 95

Interstate 95, a major north-south corridor, is heavily used by commercial trucks and travelers. The high volume of traffic, combined with sections lacking adequate lighting, increases the risk of accidents, particularly during nighttime or adverse weather conditions. In disaster situations, the potential for multi-vehicle pile-ups and delays in emergency response is significant. injury.arnoldsmithlaw.com

15 Survival Driving Skills to Help You Drive Your Way Out of a Disaster Scenario

When disaster strikes, your ability to drive safely and effectively can mean the difference between life and death. Here are 15 survival driving skills every well-prepared individual should master:

1. Situational Awareness

Always be aware of your surroundings. Monitor weather conditions, road signs, and the behavior of other drivers. This awareness allows you to anticipate hazards and make informed decisions.

2. Defensive Driving

Maintain a safe following distance, anticipate potential hazards, and always be prepared to react to the unexpected. This proactive approach reduces the risk of accidents.

3. Off-Road Navigation

In disaster scenarios, paved roads may become impassable. Learning to drive on unpaved surfaces, including mud, gravel, and sand.

4. Vehicle Recovery Techniques

When stuck in mud, sand, or snow, knowing how to recover your vehicle using traction boards, winches, or even sticks and rocks can get you out when help isn’t coming.

5. Fuel Efficiency Driving

In a crisis, fuel is gold. Learn to coast when safe, avoid hard braking or acceleration, and keep RPMs low. These habits stretch every last drop of gas.

6. Night Driving Under Stress

Your headlights won’t show everything. Practice driving without relying on high beams and scan side to side to detect movement. Reducing your speed at night is not a weakness—it’s a survival tactic.

7. Navigating Without GPS

In a grid-down scenario, GPS might be useless. Get comfortable reading paper maps, recognizing topography, and using the sun, stars, or a compass to find your way.

8. Evasive Maneuvering

If civil unrest or ambushes are a threat, learn how to execute controlled skids, J-turns, and evasive lane changes. Knowing how to lose a tail may save your life.

9. Road Hazard Recognition

Learn to identify signs of weakened bridges, downed power lines, sinkholes, and flash flood zones. If the road ahead looks sketchy, assume it is.

10. Engine Troubleshooting Under Pressure

Know how to check fuses, clean battery terminals, patch coolant leaks, and diagnose overheating. Keep tools and spare fluids in your rig.

11. Tire Repair and Maintenance

Know how to plug a puncture, reinflate a tire with a portable compressor, and even drive short distances on a flat without destroying your rim.

12. Load Balancing

Keep your bug-out gear low and centered in your vehicle. A top-heavy SUV handles poorly and may roll in tight turns or over broken ground.

13. Wading Through Water

Water crossings can end your trip—or your life. Know your vehicle’s fording depth. Enter slowly, don’t create a bow wave, and test current strength with a stick before crossing.

14. Camouflaging and Parking for Safety

If you must hide, know how to use natural cover. Avoid parking near treelines where limbs can fall or in valleys where floodwaters collect.

15. Driving in Convoy Formation

If traveling with others, learn spacing, hand signals, and contingency protocols. A tight convoy is a moving target. A loose one falls apart.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Running out of gas in a disaster zone isn’t just inconvenient—it’s potentially fatal. Here are three field-tested hacks that can keep you going just a little longer:

1. Siphon Gas from Abandoned Vehicles (Legally and Morally Cautiously)

Carry a siphon pump or clear plastic tubing. Insert it deep into a vehicle’s tank (best from the fuel line under the car if they have anti-siphon valves), suck to start the flow, and collect fuel in a jerry can. Always double-check the fuel type—diesel in a gas engine will ruin it.

2. DIY Alcohol/Ethanol Mix Fuel

In extreme emergencies, small amounts of denatured alcohol (like marine stove fuel), rubbing alcohol (90%+), or even high-proof liquor can be mixed with gasoline to extend range. Use no more than 10-15% alcohol per tank and only on older, non-fuel-injected engines. Filter carefully with cloth to remove contaminants.

3. Fuel Vapor Ignition Trick (Advanced Survival Hack)

If completely out of liquid fuel, and you’re driving an older carbureted engine, a tiny amount of gasoline vapor can keep it running at idle or low RPM. This requires jury-rigging a warm metal canister with a fuel-soaked rag that slowly releases vapors into the intake (not for amateurs—fire hazard is extreme). Use only as a last resort and only if you understand the mechanics.

Real-World Lessons from a Well-Traveled Survivalist

I’ve driven from the Yukon to the Yucatán and back, across deserts, through flooded jungles, and along mountain passes that would make your teeth ache. But nothing humbles you like a North Carolina disaster. Roads buckle, bridges vanish, and the humidity itself seems to thicken the fear.

I remember Hurricane Florence—watching floodwaters rise over the Tar River while locals clung to roofs and state troopers rerouted everyone west. I made the mistake of taking Highway 12 the day after. A 30-foot section had vanished overnight. One poor soul had to be chopper-lifted from his vehicle half-buried in sand.

Lesson? Always recon the route—even your exit route. Trusting a road to be there in a disaster is like trusting a candle to burn in the rain.

Keep your rig ready. Not mall-crawler ready—survival ready. Fluids topped off, spare tire aired up, cargo secured. I keep a tire repair kit, a 5-gallon jerry can, and a bug-out bag behind my seat. When the sirens wail or the skies darken, I don’t wonder where my gear is—I’m already moving.

And remember this: The best driving skill isn’t about horsepower or trick moves—it’s judgment. Know when to floor it. Know when to stop. Know when to turn around.

Final Thoughts: The Road Less Traveled May Be Your Only Option

When disaster hits, roads become lifelines—or death traps. North Carolina, with its mountainous western ridges and flood-prone coastal plains, demands respect. The worst roads during calm weather become impassable nightmares under duress. Whether you’re escaping a storm surge or evading civil unrest, your driving skills, preparation, and knowledge of the terrain will determine your fate.

So practice. Prepare. Pray, if that’s your thing. But most of all—drive like your life depends on it. Because someday, it will.

South Dakota’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 3, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn South Dakota, South Dakota Survival Preppers, South Dakota's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

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

I’ve spent decades on the road—across continents, through unforgiving terrain, and in every imaginable disaster scenario. Whether navigating flooded highways, treacherous mountain passes, or icy backroads, one truth stands firm: your vehicle can be your lifeline—or your coffin. South Dakota is no exception. Its wide-open prairies hide some dangerous choke points and stretches that become death traps when disaster strikes.

If you ever find yourself needing to bug out or escape a disaster in South Dakota, knowing which roads to avoid—and how to drive like your life depends on it—is crucial. I’ve mapped out some of the worst roads for disaster driving here, along with survival driving skills you need to master, and a few DIY hacks for when you run out of fuel. Buckle up; this is not a ride for the faint of heart.

The Worst Roads in South Dakota to Avoid in Disaster Scenarios

South Dakota’s terrain may look gentle, but disaster turns it into a death zone quickly. These roads are notoriously difficult during floods, ice storms, or structural failures:

Highway 34 through the Badlands
Narrow, winding, and often exposed to high winds and sudden rockslides, this highway can become a nightmare when disaster strikes. The Badlands are known for unpredictable weather and limited cell service, meaning if you get stuck here, help could be days away.
Interstate 90 near the Missouri River Bridges
During floods, these bridges can be compromised or closed without warning. Traffic congestion becomes a death trap in disaster evacuations, and the surrounding lowlands flood fast, trapping vehicles.
Highway 79 south of Belle Fourche
This stretch is exposed prairie with few alternative routes and is prone to heavy snow drifts in winter storms. In a disaster, this road can quickly become impassable, with limited places to pull over safely.
State Route 34 between Huron and Mitchell
Flood plains dominate this region, making it vulnerable to flash floods. The flat terrain means water pools quickly, and drainage systems can be overwhelmed.
County Roads near the Black Hills National Forest
Rugged, poorly maintained, and winding through dense forest, these roads are prone to landslides and fallen trees during storms or wildfires.

Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios in South Dakota

When the stakes are life or death, normal driving techniques won’t cut it. Here are 15 survival driving skills I swear by when navigating disaster zones on South Dakota’s worst roads:

Controlled Skid Recovery
When ice or mud takes the wheel from you, don’t slam the brakes. Steer into the skid and gently ease off the accelerator until control is regained.
Throttle Modulation
Smooth throttle application prevents wheel spin on slippery surfaces like ice or loose gravel.
Defensive Scanning
Constantly scan the horizon and roadside for obstacles, fallen trees, animals, or sudden drops. This also helps you anticipate road collapses or flood zones.
Weight Transfer Management
Understanding how your vehicle’s weight shifts during turns and braking helps prevent rollovers on narrow roads like Highway 34 through the Badlands.
Emergency Braking Without ABS
If your vehicle doesn’t have ABS, pump the brakes to avoid skidding. ABS systems behave differently; learn your vehicle’s braking response before disaster hits.
High-Centering Avoidance
When driving on uneven gravel roads or flood debris, know how to navigate to avoid your vehicle getting stuck high on an obstacle.
Low-Speed Manoeuvring
Master slow, precise steering to navigate tight, damaged, or obstructed roads.
Hill Start Control
On steep, icy inclines, use clutch control or the parking brake to prevent rollback.
Use of Engine Braking
On steep descents, downshift instead of relying solely on brakes to avoid overheating.
Crosswind Stability
South Dakota’s open plains expose vehicles to fierce crosswinds; keep a firm grip and slight steering correction to maintain lane control.
Night Driving Preparedness
Disasters often strike without warning; keep your night vision sharp and drive with minimal light pollution—use high beams only when safe.
Water Fording Judgement
Know the depth and current of floodwaters before crossing. Water above the axle is almost always a no-go.
Tire Pressure Adjustments
Lowering tire pressure can increase traction on soft surfaces like mud or sand, but be ready to reinflate as soon as possible.
Vehicle Positioning for Escape Routes
Always park or stop your vehicle so you can drive out quickly in any direction, especially on roads prone to sudden closures or blockages.
Emergency Communication Readiness
Keep a charged radio or satellite communicator to receive updates on road closures or hazards.

DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Running out of fuel during a disaster is a nightmare, but being a survivalist means preparing for the worst and improvising solutions. Here are three hacks that can keep you moving—or at least help you escape:

Create a Gravity-Fed Fuel Transfer System
If you find a fuel source in a nearby container (a damaged vehicle, storage tank, or jerrycan), use a clean hose or even a sturdy, flexible tube to siphon fuel. Gravity-fed siphoning is safer and more effective than mouth suction. Remember: always filter fuel through a clean cloth to avoid clogging your fuel lines.
Use Dry Wood or Charcoal Briquettes to Generate Heat and Signal
If you can’t move your vehicle, use dry wood or charcoal to create a controlled fire nearby. This can serve multiple purposes: keeping you warm, signaling rescuers, and deterring predators. Don’t leave your vehicle unguarded while you gather materials.
Build a Makeshift Pulley or Tow System
If your vehicle is stuck and fuel is low, rig a pulley system from sturdy branches or vehicle parts. Use your tow straps, rope, or even seat belts to leverage moving your vehicle to safer ground or toward a known fuel source. This requires some muscle and ingenuity but can save hours waiting for rescue.

Putting It All Together: Preparing for South Dakota’s Roads in Disaster

In my travels, I’ve learned that knowledge combined with preparation is survival’s foundation. South Dakota may seem calm, but when disaster hits, these roads become high-risk zones. Always:

Scout your route beforehand.
Pack extra fuel, emergency repair kits, and communication devices.
Know your vehicle’s limits.
Practice the survival driving skills until they become second nature.

When roads narrow or floodwaters rise, your mindset will determine if you’re just another statistic—or the one who makes it through.

Final Thoughts

South Dakota’s rural and sometimes wild landscape tests every driver, but especially in disaster scenarios. Your vehicle is a tool—one that requires skill, respect, and constant readiness. Learn the terrain, anticipate hazards, and never rely solely on modern conveniences like GPS or mobile networks. These will fail when you need them most.

Remember: disaster driving isn’t about speed; it’s about control, patience, and survival instincts honed by experience. If you master these 15 survival driving skills and know the worst roads to avoid, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of bugging out safely.

And if you do run out of gas, those three DIY hacks might just be the difference between staying stranded and making it home.

Stay sharp, stay ready, and drive smart.

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.

Tennessee’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 2, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Tennessee, Tennessee Homestead Lifestyle, Tennessee Safety, Tennessee's Worst Roads, Tennessee’ Survival PreppersLeave a comment

Tennessee’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster (And How to Survive Them)
By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist

When you’ve spent decades chasing storms, crawling through flash-flooded passes, and navigating highways turned to chaos, you learn one thing fast: the road is rarely your friend in a disaster. Especially in Tennessee.

Now, I’ve driven all over this country—rockslides in Colorado, hurricanes in Florida, ice storms in Maine—but Tennessee? It’s got its own flavor of trouble. The combination of winding mountain passes, crumbling infrastructure, sudden weather shifts, and bottlenecked urban sprawl makes it one of the trickiest states to navigate during a crisis. Whether you’re escaping a tornado, dodging wildfires, or trying to outrun the first signs of societal collapse, understanding the roads—and how to outsmart them—might just be what keeps you alive.

Tennessee’s Most Dangerous Roads During a Disaster

Let’s get specific. If you’re in Tennessee and the grid goes dark or a twister touches down, avoid these roads like the plague:

I-24 Through Monteagle Mountain
A steep, fog-prone stretch with frequent rockslides and sudden weather shifts. During a disaster, this becomes a deathtrap.
I-40 Through Downtown Nashville
Gridlocked in the best of times. In a crisis? It’s a parking lot with panicked drivers and no clear escape route.
US-129 (Tail of the Dragon)
318 curves in 11 miles—thrilling on a Sunday ride, deadly when you’re trying to flee with a vehicle full of supplies.
I-75 Through Chattanooga
Prone to major pileups and susceptible to flash flooding. Bridges and underpasses can trap you like a rat.
SR-64 Through Franklin County
Low visibility, poor maintenance, and sharp elevation changes. When every second counts, this road turns into a gauntlet.
I-440 Loop in Nashville
Short, poorly designed, and overloaded. A minor fender bender can stall traffic for hours, especially during an emergency.
State Route 68 Through Tellico Plains
Narrow, winding, and prone to fallen trees. In rural areas like this, you’re on your own.
US-70S Through Murfreesboro
Suburban chaos with high traffic density. Once panic sets in, forget about getting anywhere fast.
I-81 in Northeast Tennessee
Notorious for black ice and bad weather. Add in a panicked population and you’ve got a dangerous mix.
SR-111 Near Cookeville
Steep gradients and limited guardrails. Night driving here is hazardous—don’t even try it during a blackout.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life

Now, let’s say you’re caught in a disaster scenario. Roads are jammed, GPS is fried, and cell towers are down. Here’s what you need to know to survive:

Situational Awareness
Scan far ahead for brake lights, smoke, or roadblocks. Keep your head on a swivel—danger rarely comes from just one direction.
Off-Road Maneuvering
Know how to take your vehicle off pavement. Even a two-wheel drive can manage a field or ditch if you pick your line carefully.
Engine Braking
Use your gears to control speed downhill—especially in the Appalachians. Burn out your brakes and you’re a rolling coffin.
Navigating Without GPS
Keep a physical map. Learn to read topography so you can identify passes, rivers, and high ground.
Controlled Skidding
Practice steering into a skid. Whether it’s rain, ice, or gravel, knowing how to recover might save your life.
Driving Blackout
Learn to drive with your lights off using only your night vision in low-profile getaways. Don’t do it often, but know it.
Vehicle Field Repair
From changing a tire to bypassing a starter relay, basic vehicle mechanics can get you out of a jam.
Fuel Rationing Techniques
Feather the gas, coast downhill, and limit idling. In a crisis, every drop matters.
Using the Shoulder and Median
These are legal gray zones during a crisis. Use them wisely—but avoid getting stuck in a soft shoulder.
Barricade Breaching
Keep a tow strap, winch, or even bolt cutters. Sometimes survival means clearing your own way.
Convoy Driving
In numbers there is safety—but it takes coordination. Establish signals, routes, and fallback points.
Escape Route Planning
Always have two exits: your main route and a backup. Practice both.
Water Crossing Techniques
Know your vehicle’s clearance. Never cross fast-moving water—six inches can sweep you off the road.
Defensive Driving
Aggression gets people killed. Keep space, stay calm, and anticipate others’ panic.
Silent Starts and Idles
Know how to shut down accessories and keep a low profile. Sometimes, quiet is your best ally.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Now for the brutal truth—eventually, you’re going to run out of fuel. Whether it’s panic-buying or supply chain collapse, it’s coming. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. Here are three DIY survival driving hacks that might buy you critical miles:

1. Ethanol Siphoning from Outdoor Equipment
Gas cans dry up fast—but lawnmowers, ATVs, boats, and even chainsaws often contain small amounts of fuel. It may be ethanol-blended, but it’ll burn in most engines if you’re desperate.

Tip: Use clear tubing and gravity to siphon safely. Avoid ingesting vapors.

2. Emergency Biofuel Additives
In certain engines, you can extend your gas with high-proof alcohol (like Everclear). It’s not ideal and not recommended long-term, but it can get you to the next stop.

Warning: Only for fuel-injected systems designed to tolerate ethanol blends. This is a last-resort move.

3. Human-Powered Flat Tow
If you’re completely out of fuel but not out of manpower, use tow straps and a bike, ATV, or even another person on foot to pull your vehicle downhill or out of the kill zone.

Pro Tip: Lighten the load, remove excess gear, and use neutral gear. It won’t be fast—but it might save your life.

Final Thoughts

I’ve survived by being prepared, staying calm, and adapting fast. That’s what driving through a disaster demands. Roads in Tennessee are beautiful but brutal. The mountains don’t care. The floods don’t care. Panic sure as hell doesn’t care.

So next time you’re driving down I-24 and the skies go green, ask yourself:
Do I know my vehicle?
Do I know this road?
Do I know how to get out alive?

Because if you don’t, it might be time to learn.

Minnesota’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Minnesota’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

Here are the stretches of road that are known for turning into nightmares when SHTF in the North Star State:

1. I-94 Between Minneapolis and St. Cloud

This artery is notorious for whiteout blizzards and multi-car pileups. It’s a main corridor, so it’s often jammed with traffic during evacuations. One stalled semi here during a snowstorm, and you’ve got a parking lot for miles.

2. Highway 61 Along the North Shore

A beautiful drive in summer, but during icy storms or landslides from spring thaw, this road can become blocked or collapse altogether. Limited turn-offs and few gas stations add to the danger.

3. I-35 Near Duluth

Steep grades and lake-effect snow make this area a hazard zone in winter. If a tanker jackknifes here during a disaster, good luck getting out fast.

4. Highway 2 Through the Iron Range

This remote highway cuts through miles of isolated terrain. In a wildfire or grid-down event, getting stranded out here can leave you helpless unless you’re prepared.

5. County Road 8 in Beltrami County

Flood-prone and poorly maintained, this road has eaten more tires than I care to count. Add heavy rain or washed-out culverts, and you’re stuck in the swamp.

6. MN-36 in the Twin Cities Metro

This is a commuter’s nightmare on a regular day. In an emergency? It’s gridlock hell. It bottlenecks near Stillwater, especially during bridge closures.

7. Highway 169 in Southern Minnesota

Flat, exposed, and prone to blowing snow and drifts. Visibility can drop to zero, and locals know to avoid it in winter—outsiders might not.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

Whether you’re facing down a tornado, bugging out after a grid collapse, or escaping wildfires, your vehicle is only as useful as your ability to drive it under stress. These 15 skills can keep you alive:

1. Defensive Driving Under Duress

Know how to anticipate panic drivers and avoid pileups. Most people freeze or slam the brakes. Stay smooth, stay alert.

2. Navigating Without GPS

Cell towers fail. Learn to read a map and use a compass. Keep printed maps of your region and alternate routes in your glove box.

3. Driving with Limited Visibility

Fog, snow, smoke—disasters impair vision. Use fog lights, drive slow, crack a window to listen for hazards, and follow road contours.

4. Off-Road Navigation

Dirt roads, fields, frozen lakes—when pavement fails, you’ll need to take the road less traveled. Practice in a safe place before you need to do it for real.

5. Tire Repair and Inflation on the Fly

Carry a patch kit, plug kit, and portable air compressor. Knowing how to plug a tire in minutes is a lifesaver.

6. Fuel Management

Keep your tank above half at all times. Know your fuel economy, range on reserve, and where gas stations are off the main drag.

7. Escape Maneuvers

Learn how to break through roadblocks or ditches without rolling your rig. Practice hard turns, J-turns, and evasive braking in safe areas.

8. Braking on Ice or Wet Roads

Pumping brakes on ice vs. ABS braking—know the difference and how your vehicle behaves. Practice sliding recoveries in a snow-covered parking lot.

9. Tactical Parking

Never park head-in during a disaster. Park for a fast exit, with the nose pointing out. If you’re bugging out, seconds count.

10. Driving Through Water

If you must ford water, know your vehicle’s wading depth. Drive slow, steady, and don’t stop mid-crossing unless you want to be swimming.

11. Winching and Towing

A winch and tow straps are gold. Learn how to use them safely. Practice snatch recoveries with a buddy before disaster strikes.

12. Spotting and Avoiding Road Hazards

Broken asphalt, downed power lines, and abandoned vehicles can trap you. Know how to spot danger ahead and steer clear.

13. Silent Driving

Turn off music, avoid honking, and drive with stealth in hostile zones. Useful in post-disaster looting scenarios or civil unrest.

14. Vehicle Camouflage

If it’s really bad, black out lights with red film, remove visible decals, and drape camo netting over your car when parked.

15. Driving with Injuries

Know how to operate your vehicle with one arm or leg in a worst-case scenario. Modify seat positions and practice using hand controls if needed.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Running out of fuel during a disaster is not just an inconvenience—it could kill you. Here are 3 last-ditch hacks I’ve used in the field:

1. The Camp Stove Siphon Hack

Got a camp stove that uses white gas or Coleman fuel? You can mix small amounts with what’s left in your tank (older vehicles only). Filter through a shirt to remove particulates. Use only in emergencies and only if your engine is not high-compression.

2. Alcohol Burn Trick

In extreme cold, windshield washer fluid with high alcohol content can keep your fuel system alive. Add it only in small amounts to dilute water in the tank, not as a fuel source. Also works to keep lines from freezing temporarily.

3. Gravity Siphon from Abandoned Vehicles

Use clear tubing and a plastic bottle to start a siphon from another car. Bite the tube, lower the bottle below tank height, and let gravity work. Always check for pressure systems—newer cars may need a hand-pump siphon.

Closing Thoughts

Disasters don’t care how new your SUV is or whether you’ve got a Bluetooth infotainment system. When hell breaks loose, it’s about fundamentals: terrain, timing, and tenacity. Minnesota’s roads can turn savage fast—from sudden floods to snarled exits during a wildfire. But with the right knowledge, preparation, and vehicle discipline, you can drive your way out of almost anything.

Make no mistake: the most important gear you’ll ever carry is between your ears. But backed with good tools, sharp instincts, and hardened skills, you won’t just survive—you’ll escape.

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.

Mississippi’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Mississippi’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Field Guide

I’ve spent a fair share of my life behind the wheel—traversing deserts, dodging floods in the Amazon basin, crawling over icy switchbacks in the Alps, and even navigating war-torn backroads in Eastern Europe. But if there’s one place that surprises you when disaster strikes, it’s Mississippi. She might wear a calm, slow-moving Southern charm on the surface, but when nature loses her temper, the Magnolia State’s roads turn into a web of pitfalls, traps, and survival puzzles that test your grit behind the wheel.

In disaster scenarios—be it hurricanes, floods, tornados, or civil unrest—your vehicle becomes more than transportation. It becomes your mobile shelter, your escape route, your lifeline. And you better believe the roads you choose can either carry you to safety or trap you in a nightmare. So let’s dig into it—what roads to avoid, how to drive like a survivor, and what to do when your tank runs dry in the middle of nowhere.

The Roads That Turn Against You: Mississippi’s Worst During a Disaster

1. U.S. Highway 90 – Gulf Coast
U.S. 90 hugs the Mississippi coastline—a region notorious for storm surges. During hurricanes like Katrina, this road was swallowed whole by the Gulf. Bridges collapse, lanes disappear under waves, and escape becomes impossible once the water rises. Avoid it during any coastal evacuation.

2. I-10 and the Bay St. Louis Bridge
When evacuating westward, folks hit I-10. But the bridge over Bay St. Louis? It’s a choke point. One lane closure or flood surge, and you’re stuck for hours, maybe days. If disaster’s looming, skip it.

3. Highway 49 – Hattiesburg to Gulfport
This is the main evacuation route from inland to the coast. That means in a disaster, everyone uses it. It clogs faster than a sink in a sandstorm. Plus, it’s flood-prone and riddled with low shoulders.

4. U.S. Route 61 – The Blues Highway
Stretching from Natchez to Memphis, U.S. 61 cuts through the Delta. Beautiful country—until it rains. The Delta’s flatlands mean floodwaters spread fast and wide. Visibility drops, hydroplaning increases, and shoulder pull-offs are rare.

5. Mississippi Highway 16 – Between Canton and Carthage
This road’s notorious for rural isolation. Cell signal’s weak, and it floods like clockwork every rainy season. When you’re alone out there with no signal and rising water, you’re not escaping—you’re surviving.

6. Natchez Trace Parkway
Scenic? Yes. Safe during a disaster? No. This two-lane parkway has limited exits, minimal lighting, and no commercial services. Once you’re on it, you’re committed.

7. I-55 – North-South Lifeline or Bottleneck?
It’s the primary artery between Jackson and Memphis. But with a major evacuation, it turns into a parking lot. Add a fuel shortage or a traffic incident, and it quickly becomes a metal graveyard.

8. MS Highway 24 – Between Liberty and McComb
Winding, poorly maintained, and flood-prone. When it rains, it’s a mudslide waiting to happen. Not ideal when you need speed and clarity of direction.

9. County Road 513 – Clarke County
Barely paved in sections. Full of switchbacks, logging trucks, and culverts that overflow with the slightest drizzle. Locals call it “Snakeback.” Avoid unless you’re desperate.

10. Any Backroad in the Delta During Tornado Season
Mississippi’s backroads in the Delta look quaint—until you’re racing against a twister. No cover, no exits, and crumbling asphalt. Trust me, I’ve driven those roads during storms, and it’s like rolling the dice with your life.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

Fuel Load Planning – Always start every trip with a full tank, and top off at half.
Route Reconnaissance – Learn three exit routes: major road, secondary road, backroad.
Night Driving without Headlights – Practice using low-beams or parking lights to stay unseen during civil unrest.
Driving Through Flooded Roads – Know the depth limit (6 inches can stall most cars), and never cross moving water.
Using Mirrors for Perimeter Checks – Keep aware of your six. Situational awareness prevents ambushes.
Brake Fade Management – Pump brakes if descending long hills after heavy use—don’t ride them.
Driving in Reverse Under Pressure – Practice reversing fast and straight in an open field or lot.
Precision Steering Over Debris – Learn to aim between tire-puncturing debris in tight spaces.
Push-Start (Manual Transmission) – Learn how to roll and jump-start a dead manual car.
Window Exit Techniques – Know how to break glass underwater or jammed—keep a spring-loaded punch in your console.
Camouflage Your Vehicle – Mud and branches can break up your silhouette from aerial drones.
Off-Road Tire Pressure Adjustment – Lowering PSI gives traction in sand or mud.
Roadblock Bypass – Practice turning around quickly or taking medians without damaging your undercarriage.
Driving with a Blown Tire – Keep control, slow down, and ride the rim to safety if needed.
Trailer Hitch Defense – Use hitches and reinforced bumpers to nudge through obstacles or abandoned vehicles.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Gravity-Fed Fuel Siphon from Abandoned Vehicles
Keep a length of clear tubing and a small gas can. Use gravity and suction to siphon gas from vehicles lower than yours. Be quick, be quiet, and avoid breathing fumes.
Turn Your Car into a Solar Shelter
Out of gas and sun’s beating down? Use Mylar blankets in your emergency kit to reflect sunlight away from the windows. Set up shade, insulate with clothes or mats, and use water strategically.
Bike Conversion Emergency Rig
If you’re packing minimalist, mount a folding bike on your rig. When gas runs out, detach and ride out with your bug-out bag. You can even strap small trailers to bikes to haul essentials.

Final Thoughts from the Road

Mississippi is a beautiful, complicated place. Her roads tell stories—some long and slow, others sudden and tragic. When disaster strikes, it’s not just about escape. It’s about staying sharp, planning ahead, and being willing to do what others can’t or won’t.

I’ve seen families make it out because they chose the unpaved road while others sat idling in gridlock. I’ve met men who used a siphoned quart of gas to jump two cars and carry a diabetic neighbor to safety. You don’t need to be a superhero. You just need to be prepared.

So keep your tank full, your eyes wide, and your hands steady. And when Mississippi turns mean, you’ll be the one who gets through—not because of luck, but because you drove like a survivor.

Rhode Island’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 2, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Rhode Island, Rhode Island's Worst Roads to DriveLeave a comment

Rhode Island’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – and How to Survive Them

By a man who’s broken down in the Rockies, outrun a wildfire in California, and once crossed a frozen lake in Manitoba with nothing but a CB radio and a prayer, let me tell you something straight: driving during a disaster is a whole different beast. And if you’re in Rhode Island—small in size, dense in people, and loaded with pothole-riddled nightmares—you better be ready to adapt, react, and survive.

I’ve been through hurricanes, blizzards, and blackouts. And trust me, when the highways jam and the backroads crumble, knowing how to drive to stay alive is as vital as food and water.

Rhode Island’s Road Hazards in a Disaster

Rhode Island might be tiny, but it packs a punch in terms of infrastructure risk. Here’s a survivalist’s breakdown of the worst roads to avoid (or approach with extreme caution) during a disaster scenario:

Route 95 through Providence – Traffic bottlenecks, overpasses, and congestion mean you’re sitting ducks in a bug-out situation. If it’s not gridlocked, it’s flooded.
Route 10 Connector – Often under construction, and with poor visibility ramps, it becomes a chaos corridor during emergencies.
Route 6 (Huntington Expressway) – Riddled with sharp curves and sudden exits, this road is a nightmare during high-stress evacuations.
Post Road (Route 1) – Flood-prone and filled with commercial strip malls. Great for scavenging, terrible for escaping.
Route 146 into North Smithfield – Lined with industrial traffic and overloaded bridges. Avoid it when supply trucks panic.
Broad Street in Cranston/Pawtucket – Narrow, dense, and chaos incarnate when people start fleeing in masses.
Hope Street in Bristol – Coastal, and the first to flood in a Nor’easter or storm surge.
Putnam Pike (Route 44) – Beautiful, rural… and isolated. When tree limbs drop, you’re boxed in.
West Main Road in Middletown – Connects to Navy installations, making it a prime security choke point during martial law or military lockdowns.
Reservoir Avenue, Cranston – Urban traffic, tight intersections, and vulnerable power lines make this area high-risk.

15 Survival Driving Skills That’ll Save Your Life in a Disaster

When the time comes and you’re behind the wheel while the world burns, floods, or freezes, these 15 survival driving skills could make the difference between life and death:

Situational Awareness – Constantly scan mirrors, gauges, and surroundings. Awareness buys time.
Emergency Braking Control – Learn how to brake hard without skidding. Threshold braking on dry ground; pumping on wet.
Navigating Without GPS – GPS dies, cell towers drop—so know your route by memory or use an offline map app.
Driving with Blown Tires – Steer straight, ease off gas, don’t brake until speed drops. Then guide to a stop.
Night Vision Tactics – Avoid high-beams in fog; use low beams and follow reflective markers or fog lines.
Fuel Efficiency Driving – Feather the throttle, avoid sudden stops, and coast when safe. Every drop counts.
Hand Signals and Horn Codes – In a convoy or with other survivors, use lights or horn taps to communicate.
Underwater Escape – Unbuckle, roll down windows fast before electronics die. Kick windshield if submerged.
Snow & Ice Maneuvers – Turn into the skid. Never slam brakes. Use snowbanks for controlled stops.
Off-road Evasion – Know how to spot soft ground, use momentum to climb hills, and shift to low gear on declines.
Avoiding Road Rage & Panic Drivers – Stay calm. Predict erratic movements. Don’t engage—evasion is your friend.
Barricade Navigation – Reverse precision. Know how to three-point turn in tight quarters or go off-shoulder without getting stuck.
Silent Movement – If needed, coast with the engine off on downhill terrain. Avoid noise to stay unnoticed.
Improvised Lighting – Red LED headlamps or dimmed cabin lights help preserve night vision and avoid detection.
Driving Through Floods – No more than six inches of water unless you know your air intake height. Go slow, steady—don’t create a wake.

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

You’re out of gas. Maybe siphoning stations got shut down, maybe your fuel cache got looted, or maybe you just pushed too far. Don’t panic. You still have options if you’ve got a brain, a toolkit, and a bit of know-how:

1. The Denatured Alcohol Boost (Alcohol Stove Fuel Hack)

If you have denatured alcohol (used in marine stoves or camping gear), you can use a small blend (ONLY in emergencies) to extend the remaining gasoline in a carbureted engine. Do not attempt this with fuel-injected or modern engines—older vehicles only.

Caution: This is extremely risky. Use only to limp to safety. Never exceed 10% mix. Filter everything.

2. Siphon from Lawn Equipment, Generators, or Boats

Emergency fuel isn’t just in cars. Mowers, snowblowers, backup generators, boats—all carry gasoline. Use a hand-siphon pump (avoid mouth siphoning) and a catch can. Keep a fuel transfer kit in your bug-out bag—small, cheap, priceless in a pinch.

3. Create a Gravity-Fed Drip Tank

If your vehicle fuel pump fails or you want to bypass a contaminated tank, rig a gravity-fed drip tank using a clean water jug, clear tubing, and a fuel filter. Mount it above the engine and feed it into the carburetor or fuel intake. This is makeshift, not efficient, but it can get your rig a few miles out of hell.

Surviving the Drive in Little Rhody

Driving through a disaster in Rhode Island is about threading the needle between panic, geography, and infrastructure failure. You’ve got bridges, tight urban corridors, a coastline that floods faster than your bathtub, and a population density that ensures traffic the minute the sirens wail.

So what do you do?

Pre-scout alternate routes—especially rural cut-throughs, utility paths, and even bike trails.
Keep a printed map in your glovebox. Mark fuel stations, water sources, and chokepoints.
Drive light. Weight kills speed and fuel economy. Strip non-essentials from your bug-out vehicle.
Keep a vehicle go-bag: Include fix-a-flat, siphon kit, battery jumper, headlamp, tire plug kit, and a collapsible fuel container.
Fill up every time you hit ¾ tank. Don’t wait till you’re low in a crisis zone.
Maintain your ride. That rusted-out ’98 Tacoma might be ugly, but if it runs clean and has high clearance, it’s better than a dead hybrid with a cracked battery.

When you know the roads like a survivalist knows his terrain, and you’ve trained behind the wheel as much as on the trail, you won’t need to hope—you’ll just drive. Smooth, quiet, and smart. Get out of Dodge—or Providence, in this case—and live to see another sunrise.

You’re not just driving. You’re surviving.

Washington’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Washington’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

Some roads are always a gamble—even on a clear day. During a disaster? They can turn into a death trap.

1. I-5 Through Seattle and Tacoma
When the quake hits or the power goes out, this artery becomes a clogged vein. Overpasses are vulnerable, exits get jammed, and you’ll be boxed in by people who panic and freeze.

2. U.S. Route 2 (Stevens Pass)
A beautiful drive on a sunny day. But in winter or a landslide? It’s a cold, steep, slippery coffin. If you’re heading over the Cascades, know the risks.

3. SR 410 (Chinook Pass)
High elevation and prone to avalanches and rockslides. This scenic route turns deadly fast with little warning.

4. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway)
The long, winding remoteness of this route makes rescue nearly impossible. If you’re up there during a fire or snowstorm, you’re on your own.

5. I-90 Snoqualmie Pass
It’s the main east-west lifeline, but it clogs like bad plumbing under snow or seismic stress. Bridges could drop, and rockfall is a real hazard.

6. SR 14 Along the Columbia River Gorge
One side is rock, the other is water. Landslides, windstorms, and floods are all fair game here.

7. SR 18 Between Auburn and North Bend
It’s already notorious for fatal accidents. Add bad weather or panic evacuations, and you’ve got a mobile junkyard waiting to happen.

8. SR 530 (Oso Slide Area)
This one already proved its danger. Soft soil, heavy rain, and steep hills mean slides are always possible.

9. U.S. Route 101 on the Olympic Peninsula
One way in, one way out. If a tsunami is coming after an offshore quake, this road will be buried or jammed.

10. Any Coastal Route in Grays Harbor or Pacific Counties
These roads are flat, low, and isolated. If you’re not already headed inland when the sirens go off, you’re probably too late.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Master

Now, surviving a disaster on wheels isn’t about horsepower or luxury. It’s about grit, smarts, and skill. Here are 15 driving techniques that could save your life:

1. Off-Road Navigation Without GPS
Learn to read terrain and use topographic maps. When cell towers go down, you’ll need old-school navigation.

2. Rock Crawl With Precision
If landslides leave rubble, knowing how to ease over rocks without damaging your undercarriage is key.

3. Tire Plug and Inflation On the Go
Know how to plug a puncture and re-inflate using a portable compressor or even a CO2 inflator.

4. Water Crossing Technique
Don’t just gun it through. Learn to walk it first, gauge depth, and drive slow and steady.

5. Quick Reverse Under Pressure
Practice backing out of tight, sloped, or crumbling spaces without losing control.

6. J-Turn or Bootleg Turn
This can be a lifesaver if you need to reverse direction in a blocked or hostile road.

7. Braking Without ABS
If your systems go down or you’re in an old rig, know how to pulse-brake and steer under pressure.

8. Using Your E-Brake for Controlled Stops
In brake failure situations, the emergency brake can save your life—if you know how to feather it properly.

9. Stealth Driving at Night
Low beams, no interior lights, coasting when possible. In hostile zones, stealth wins.

10. Making a Roadblock-Ram Decision
Sometimes you don’t have time to go around. Learn to identify what you can push through with minimal damage.

11. Weight Distribution Awareness
Know what’s in your rig and how it affects your handling—especially with gear shifting during rough terrain.

12. Improvised Traction (Sand, Logs, Chains)
Use floor mats, branches, chains, or even seat cushions to gain traction in mud, ice, or snow.

13. Manual Fuel Siphoning (Legally and Ethically)
Desperate times. Learn how to do it without ingesting fumes or damaging tanks.

14. Riverbank Exits and Entry Points
Know how to scout and safely ascend or descend riverbanks in case bridges are out.

15. Group Convoy Tactics
Know how to drive in a group without becoming a liability. Signals, spacing, and roles matter.

3 DIY Gas Hacks When the Tank is Bone Dry

Running out of gas in the middle of a crisis is more common than people think. Here are three unconventional—but survival-tested—methods to get a few more miles when options run out.

1. Rubbing Alcohol Fuel Boost
In a pinch, you can mix up to 10% isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) into a mostly full gas tank. It’s volatile enough to combust but should only be used temporarily. Don’t overdo it—this is emergency-only and works best in older engines.

2. Fuel From Lawn Equipment or ATVs
Most people overlook their shed or abandoned properties. Lawnmowers, snowmobiles, generators—they all carry small gas reserves. With a siphon hose and some patience, you can build up enough to make it to a safe zone.

3. Build a Gravity-Feed Tank From Salvage
If your vehicle’s fuel pump is shot or power is gone, rig a gravity-fed tank from an elevated container (like a 2-gallon jug). Mount it above the engine bay and run fuel directly into the carburetor or throttle body. This only works for older or modified vehicles—fuel-injected systems may require bypassing electronics.

Final Thoughts from the Road

Disasters don’t care if you drive a Tesla or a Tacoma. When the infrastructure crumbles and the roads go quiet, survival favors the prepared and the practiced.

In Washington, the odds of being stranded in a snowstorm, fire zone, or post-earthquake wasteland aren’t far-fetched—they’re forecasted. Your best asset is not just your gear, but your head and your hands.

So don’t just drive—train. Know your rig like you know your rifle. Know your route like you know your bug-out plan. And most of all, know that when rubber meets the road, it’s up to you to make it out.

Because out here, survival isn’t a hobby. It’s the reason you’re still breathing.

Kansas’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Kansas’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Take

I’ve driven through hurricanes in Louisiana, dust storms in Arizona, and ice storms that turned Appalachian roads into glass. But Kansas—Kansas presents a whole different breed of trouble. You’d think the flatlands would be forgiving in a crisis, but that’s where most folks get it wrong. It’s not always the terrain that gets you. It’s the condition of the roads, the isolation, and the unpredictability of Midwestern disasters—tornadoes, flash floods, and blizzards, all sharing the same space.

If you find yourself driving through Kansas during a disaster, your survival could depend on more than just a full tank and GPS signal. I’ve learned that firsthand. Below, I’ll walk you through the worst roads to avoid, survival driving skills every driver should master, and some good ol’ DIY fuel tricks in case you’re stuck out there with nothing but empty air in the tank.

Worst Roads in Kansas to Drive on During a Disaster

1. K-10 (Between Lawrence and Lenexa):
In a flash flood, this stretch turns treacherous. Low-lying underpasses near De Soto collect water fast, and rural detours aren’t much better. I’ve seen folks stranded in standing water taller than their hoods. It only takes 6 inches to lose traction—remember that.

2. US-69 (South of Kansas City to Fort Scott):
A beautiful drive on a clear day. But during a tornado warning, it’s an exposed corridor with few places to safely pull over. Strong crosswinds rip through your vehicle like paper.

3. I-70 (Especially West of Salina):
Out here, the wind whips harder than most expect. Combine that with low visibility from dust storms or blizzards, and you’re better off pulling off and hunkering down. Black ice also hits this interstate hard during winter storms.

4. K-4 (Near Lindsborg):
This rural highway has almost no shoulder and poor lighting. During power outages or wildfire evacuations, it becomes a bottleneck of confused drivers with nowhere to turn.

5. US-56 (Between Great Bend and Dodge City):
A ghost road during snowstorms. I’ve driven this route when snow drifts were piled six feet high on either side. The danger isn’t just the snow—it’s isolation. Cell service is spotty, and help is hours away.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life

Over the years, I’ve developed a toolbox of survival driving skills. Here are 15 that’ll get you through Kansas—or anywhere else—when things go sideways:

Reading the Sky:
Cloud behavior tells you more than the news app. Watch for greenish skies, rotating cloud formations, or sudden calm—signs of a tornado.
Flood Depth Estimation:
Never trust your eyes alone. Use roadside markers or mailbox heights to judge flood levels. If water is touching the bottom of a mailbox, turn around.
Controlled Skidding:
If your vehicle starts to slide, steer into the skid. Don’t panic, don’t brake hard—just gently guide it back.
Off-Road Navigation:
Know how to drive off-pavement without tearing up your vehicle. That includes easing through ditches and avoiding wet soil that could sink you.
Improvised Compass Navigation:
If your tech dies, use the sun and shadows. Place a stick in the ground and mark the shadow every 15 minutes. The line runs west to east.
Engine Management in High Winds:
Drive slower into the wind and watch for sudden gusts. Keep both hands on the wheel—Kansas crosswinds can slam a car sideways.
Map Memory Practice:
Study your route before leaving. Know alternative exits and landmarks in case GPS fails.
Night Driving with No Lights:
Practice navigating at dusk without high beams. Learn to read silhouettes and shadows. In some scenarios, you may want to drive without lights to avoid detection.
Escape from Submersion:
If your vehicle is sinking in water, unbuckle and break the side window before pressure seals the doors. Carry a glass-breaking tool within reach.
Fuel Rationing Tactics:
Don’t floor it. Accelerate slowly and cruise at a steady speed—55 mph is ideal for fuel conservation.
Push-Start a Manual Car:
If your battery dies and you drive a stick, you can push-start it by rolling it in neutral, engaging second gear, and popping the clutch.
Defensive Driving in Herd Traffic:
During evacuations, people drive like panicked animals. Leave double the space, avoid road rage, and assume everyone else will make the worst decision.
Tire Plugging in the Field:
A $10 plug kit and air pump can fix a flat in minutes. Don’t rely on the donut; it’s a last resort.
Communication with Signals:
Use your vehicle lights or a bandana to signal others. Three flashes of a flashlight = distress.
Thermal Awareness:
Feel your hood and vents. If the engine smells hot or belts are squealing, you may be overheating. Know when to shut it down and cool off before it seizes.

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

Running out of fuel in Kansas isn’t just inconvenient—it can be fatal in extreme weather. Here’s how to stretch your mobility when the tank’s dry:

1. Siphon Gas from Abandoned Vehicles
Carry a siphon kit or clear tubing. Insert into the gas tank, start suction, and drain into a container. Do this only when it’s legal and ethical—abandoned in disaster zones is a gray area where survival comes first.

2. Burnable Alcohol Mixtures
If you have access to rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 91% or higher), small quantities can be mixed with gas to extend mileage in carbureted engines. Not ideal, but it might get you 5 more miles.

3. Bicycle Tire Air Compressor Hack
A manual tire pump (the kind for bicycles) can pressurize a sealed gas can or bottle, feeding gravity-fed carburetors. For older vehicles or small engines like mopeds, this can be life-saving for short distances.

Final Word from the Road

Kansas isn’t a place that shouts danger from the rooftops. It whispers it in the wind, in the quiet build-up of a storm, in the endless rows of wheat that hide just how far from help you really are. I’ve spent nights in ditches waiting for twisters to pass overhead. I’ve driven 50 miles on fumes through sleet with nothing but a space blanket and a hunting knife in the glove box.

You want to make it through a Kansas disaster? It’s not just about driving—it’s about thinking. Know your exits, trust your gut, and drive like your life depends on it—because it just might.