Tag: disaster preparedness

Mississippi’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On 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

  1. Fuel Load Planning – Always start every trip with a full tank, and top off at half.
  2. Route Reconnaissance – Learn three exit routes: major road, secondary road, backroad.
  3. Night Driving without Headlights – Practice using low-beams or parking lights to stay unseen during civil unrest.
  4. Driving Through Flooded Roads – Know the depth limit (6 inches can stall most cars), and never cross moving water.
  5. Using Mirrors for Perimeter Checks – Keep aware of your six. Situational awareness prevents ambushes.
  6. Brake Fade Management – Pump brakes if descending long hills after heavy use—don’t ride them.
  7. Driving in Reverse Under Pressure – Practice reversing fast and straight in an open field or lot.
  8. Precision Steering Over Debris – Learn to aim between tire-puncturing debris in tight spaces.
  9. Push-Start (Manual Transmission) – Learn how to roll and jump-start a dead manual car.
  10. Window Exit Techniques – Know how to break glass underwater or jammed—keep a spring-loaded punch in your console.
  11. Camouflage Your Vehicle – Mud and branches can break up your silhouette from aerial drones.
  12. Off-Road Tire Pressure Adjustment – Lowering PSI gives traction in sand or mud.
  13. Roadblock Bypass – Practice turning around quickly or taking medians without damaging your undercarriage.
  14. Driving with a Blown Tire – Keep control, slow down, and ride the rim to safety if needed.
  15. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Route 10 Connector – Often under construction, and with poor visibility ramps, it becomes a chaos corridor during emergencies.
  3. Route 6 (Huntington Expressway) – Riddled with sharp curves and sudden exits, this road is a nightmare during high-stress evacuations.
  4. Post Road (Route 1) – Flood-prone and filled with commercial strip malls. Great for scavenging, terrible for escaping.
  5. Route 146 into North Smithfield – Lined with industrial traffic and overloaded bridges. Avoid it when supply trucks panic.
  6. Broad Street in Cranston/Pawtucket – Narrow, dense, and chaos incarnate when people start fleeing in masses.
  7. Hope Street in Bristol – Coastal, and the first to flood in a Nor’easter or storm surge.
  8. Putnam Pike (Route 44) – Beautiful, rural… and isolated. When tree limbs drop, you’re boxed in.
  9. West Main Road in Middletown – Connects to Navy installations, making it a prime security choke point during martial law or military lockdowns.
  10. 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:

  1. Situational Awareness – Constantly scan mirrors, gauges, and surroundings. Awareness buys time.
  2. Emergency Braking Control – Learn how to brake hard without skidding. Threshold braking on dry ground; pumping on wet.
  3. Navigating Without GPS – GPS dies, cell towers drop—so know your route by memory or use an offline map app.
  4. Driving with Blown Tires – Steer straight, ease off gas, don’t brake until speed drops. Then guide to a stop.
  5. Night Vision Tactics – Avoid high-beams in fog; use low beams and follow reflective markers or fog lines.
  6. Fuel Efficiency Driving – Feather the throttle, avoid sudden stops, and coast when safe. Every drop counts.
  7. Hand Signals and Horn Codes – In a convoy or with other survivors, use lights or horn taps to communicate.
  8. Underwater Escape – Unbuckle, roll down windows fast before electronics die. Kick windshield if submerged.
  9. Snow & Ice Maneuvers – Turn into the skid. Never slam brakes. Use snowbanks for controlled stops.
  10. Off-road Evasion – Know how to spot soft ground, use momentum to climb hills, and shift to low gear on declines.
  11. Avoiding Road Rage & Panic Drivers – Stay calm. Predict erratic movements. Don’t engage—evasion is your friend.
  12. Barricade Navigation – Reverse precision. Know how to three-point turn in tight quarters or go off-shoulder without getting stuck.
  13. Silent Movement – If needed, coast with the engine off on downhill terrain. Avoid noise to stay unnoticed.
  14. Improvised Lighting – Red LED headlamps or dimmed cabin lights help preserve night vision and avoid detection.
  15. 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 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 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Controlled Skidding:
    If your vehicle starts to slide, steer into the skid. Don’t panic, don’t brake hard—just gently guide it back.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Map Memory Practice:
    Study your route before leaving. Know alternative exits and landmarks in case GPS fails.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Fuel Rationing Tactics:
    Don’t floor it. Accelerate slowly and cruise at a steady speed—55 mph is ideal for fuel conservation.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Communication with Signals:
    Use your vehicle lights or a bandana to signal others. Three flashes of a flashlight = distress.
  15. 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.

Massachusetts’ Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Massachusetts’ Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: Tips From a Well-Traveled Survivalist

I’ve driven through wildfires in California, ice storms in the Yukon, political riots in Eastern Europe, and dust storms in the Southwest. And let me tell you—Massachusetts might look tame on a postcard, but when disaster strikes, its roads can become hellish gauntlets. From Boston’s tangled network of tunnels to the rural backroads that seem to vanish into the woods, surviving here during a crisis takes more than a full tank and a vague plan. You need grit, precision, and a toolkit of survival driving skills honed by experience.

I’ve mapped out the worst roads to drive on in Massachusetts during a disaster, and I’m giving you 15 survival driving skills that can mean the difference between getting out clean—or not getting out at all. I’ll also include 3 DIY survival hacks for when the tank runs dry, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from escaping real-life gridlock and breakdowns, it’s this: when the system breaks, you’re on your own.

The Worst Roads in Massachusetts When Disaster Strikes

Let’s start with the problem zones. If you’re trying to evacuate during a hurricane, blizzard, EMP scenario, or even a long-term power outage, these roads can become deathtraps:

  1. I-93 (Boston to New Hampshire) – Always congested, and during a disaster, it turns into a parking lot. Too many exits and entry points—bad for security and speed.
  2. Route 128/95 (Boston Beltway) – Boston’s ring of chaos. Flooding, spin-outs, and bumper-to-bumper madness during snow or storm conditions.
  3. Storrow Drive (Boston) – Low clearance, limited exits, and it floods easily. A death trap during hurricanes or spring melts.
  4. Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) – Long stretches with no exits, easily shut down by snow or multi-car pileups.
  5. Route 2 (Western Mass) – Isolated stretches through hilly terrain, prone to black ice and wind damage.
  6. Route 3 (South Shore) – High traffic volume, especially in evacuations from Cape Cod or Plymouth area.
  7. Tobin Bridge (Boston) – If it’s compromised, you’re stuck. Plus, it’s a prime target during civil unrest.
  8. Route 9 (Worcester to Framingham) – Overloaded during any major incident, full of choke points and shopping areas.
  9. Route 24 (Fall River to Boston) – High-speed, but dangerous. Accidents happen fast, and in a crisis, EMTs may not reach you.
  10. Route 1A (North Shore) – Runs close to the coast and is prone to flooding and washouts during storms.

Avoid these like the plague when disaster hits—if you can.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Can Save Your Life

If you’re trying to escape a disaster, you need more than just a license. Here’s what I’ve picked up after years of surviving the world’s worst roads and conditions:

  1. Tactical Awareness Driving – Constantly scan ahead, behind, and side-to-side. Read the road like a battlefield.
  2. Escape Route Planning – Always have 3 exit options. Memorize side streets, dirt roads, utility easements.
  3. Stealth Mode – Kill your headlights, drive slow, and avoid main routes at night. No one can follow what they can’t see.
  4. Engine Braking on Declines – Saves brake wear and keeps control during icy or wet descents.
  5. Threshold Braking – Master the balance of braking hard without locking up. Saves lives on wet or snowy roads.
  6. Off-Road Maneuvering – Your SUV isn’t a mall crawler. Practice climbing curbs, ditch driving, and plowing through mud.
  7. Driving Without GPS – Learn to navigate with a compass and printed maps. Phones die. Satellites fail.
  8. Push-Start (Manual Only) – Learn to jump your vehicle with a hill or a buddy. Batteries die often in cold climates.
  9. Puncture Navigation – If you lose a tire, you can still limp to safety. Know when to ride the rim and when to stop.
  10. High-Speed Evasive Maneuvers – Practice J-turns and swerving without rolling. Life-saving in ambush or pursuit.
  11. Driving Under Fire – Keep speed, don’t stop, and use buildings as cover. It happens—just ask anyone who’s survived a riot.
  12. Urban Navigation Under Duress – Learn which alleyways, garages, and overpasses can shelter or conceal your vehicle.
  13. Flood Driving – Know your car’s air intake level. If water’s above it, you’re sunk—literally.
  14. Ice and Snow Control – Steer into the skid, brake gently, and carry sand, chains, or kitty litter.
  15. Fuel Conservation Driving – Smooth acceleration, low RPMs, and no idling. Every drop counts in a crisis.

3 DIY Gas Hacks for When You’re Out of Fuel

When your needle hits E and you’re miles from a station—or the pumps are down—you’ve got to get creative. I’ve tested these in real-world situations:

  1. Siphon With a Manual Pump (Or a Hose & Gravity)
    If you find an abandoned vehicle or get access to a gas mower or generator, siphon the fuel. Always carry a food-grade siphon or hose. If gravity won’t help, use suction with a manual hand pump. Don’t use your mouth unless you want a stomach full of unleaded.
  2. Alcohol Fuel Substitution (In Emergency)
    Some vehicles (especially older ones or flex-fuel types) can run short distances on high-proof alcohol like Everclear. It’s inefficient and can damage the engine long-term—but it can get you 10–20 miles in a pinch.
  3. Fuel From Lawn Equipment
    Mowers, chainsaws, snowblowers—they all have small amounts of gas. Scavenge multiple small engines in garages or sheds and combine what you can. Use a coffee filter to screen out debris before funneling it into your tank.

Final Words From the Road

Massachusetts is an old state. Its roads were designed for horse carts and later patched into a modern system that barely handles normal traffic. Throw in a Category 2 hurricane, a blackout, or social unrest, and that thin layer of modern order peels right off.

You need to think like a survivalist: Every trip is a recon mission. Every mile is a risk. Every intersection is a decision.

Prep your vehicle like your life depends on it—because one day, it might. Keep your gear tight: a shovel, jumper cables, siphon kit, first aid, tow strap, compact air compressor, and a full tank whenever possible. Cache fuel if you have rural property. Know where bridges and tunnels are weak points—and where the backroads can give you the upper hand.

When the city lights go out and panic sets in, the people who get out fast and smart aren’t the ones who panic—they’re the ones who’ve practiced.

And trust me—I’ve lived through it.

Virginia’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

I’ve driven through sandstorms in Nevada, flash floods in Texas, blizzards up the Rockies, and riots in Eastern Europe. But if there’s one place where modern drivers constantly underestimate the risk during a disaster, it’s Virginia. Why? Because the landscape is a minefield of poorly maintained rural roads, congested highways, and flood-prone zones masked by dense forests and deceptive curves.

Let me walk—or rather, drive—you through the worst roads in Virginia you never want to be caught on when the world goes sideways. But more importantly, I’ll give you 15 survival driving skills you need to master, plus 3 DIY tricks for when you’re staring at an empty gas tank with danger on the horizon.

The Disaster Gauntlets: Virginia’s Worst Roads

If you live in or near the Commonwealth, you need to know these roads like the scars on your hand. When hurricanes rage up the coast, wildfires jump the Blue Ridge, or civil unrest sends shockwaves down I-95, these roads go from inconvenient to deadly.

1. I-95 Through Northern Virginia
This corridor is a chokehold even on a good day. Add a hurricane, evacuation order, or gas shortage, and it turns into a gridlocked trap. There’s no shoulder room for error, and no backroads that don’t also bottle up with panicked drivers.

2. Route 460 (Lynchburg to Chesapeake)
This long rural stretch is a lifeline between western Virginia and the coast—but it’s flat, flood-prone, and riddled with two-lane death traps. One overturned truck or washed-out bridge, and it becomes impassable.

3. U.S. Route 58
Crossing from the mountains to the ocean, this road has some of the nastiest switchbacks and fog-prone highlands in the state. Black ice in winter and mudslides in spring can block it fast.

4. Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway
A beautiful ride when life’s good. A death sentence when it’s not. Rockfalls, steep drop-offs, and the complete lack of escape routes make it a no-go during wildfire season or heavy storms.

5. I-64 Through the Alleghenies
Once you’re between Charlottesville and Clifton Forge, you’re in a remote stretch with limited exits, cell service, or alternative routes. A chemical spill or snowstorm, and you’re locked in.

6. I-264 Through Norfolk and Virginia Beach
Low-lying and overbuilt, this road floods faster than you can blink. In a coastal surge, it becomes a bathtub with no drain.

7. Route 33 Over Swift Run Gap
This road climbs fast and falls faster—when it’s wet or icy, it’s more slippery than a politician on camera.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

You don’t need to be a Navy SEAL to get through a disaster—but you do need a brain wired for adaptation and hands that know your vehicle like a second skin.

  1. Situational Awareness – Don’t just watch the car ahead; read the landscape, weather, and human behavior like you’re tracking prey.
  2. Route Layering – Always have three alternate routes—main, secondary, and off-road.
  3. Brake Feathering on Slopes – Slam your brakes on a descent and you’ll slide into a tree. Feather the pedal. Control your momentum.
  4. Hydroplaning Recovery – Don’t fight the wheel. Let off the gas, steer straight, and let your tires regain traction.
  5. Urban Navigation Without GPS – Know your cardinal directions and major landmarks. Tech fails. Brains don’t.
  6. Reading Flood Levels – If water touches your wheel wells, you’re in trouble. Don’t guess the depth—get out and check.
  7. Manual Transmission Mastery – Automatics are lazy. Stick shifts give you full control when skidding or climbing steep terrain.
  8. Off-Roading Basics – You don’t need a Jeep to go off-road, but you do need to know tire pressure, momentum, and traction techniques.
  9. Driving Without Headlights – In a stealth scenario, tape a red filter over your fog lights and ride low.
  10. Underhood Field Repairs – Know how to patch a radiator, jumpstart a battery, and swap a serpentine belt.
  11. Fuel Rationing Tactics – Accelerate slow, avoid idling, and maintain steady speed. It’s not about speed; it’s about distance.
  12. Dead Reckoning Navigation – If you lose all digital tools, know how to calculate direction and estimate location by sun, stars, and mileage.
  13. Reverse Maneuvering Under Pressure – Learn how to back out of tight spots fast and controlled. Practice it in a parking lot. You’ll thank me.
  14. Situational Driving Under Fire – If gunfire or debris is present, keep moving, stay low, zigzag if needed. Your vehicle is a shield.
  15. Evasive Driving with Obstacle Bumping – Sometimes you have to move abandoned vehicles or debris. Use your bumper like a battering ram—controlled force, don’t wreck your radiator.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks for When You Run Out of Gas

Out of fuel? You’re not necessarily out of options. If you’ve prepped like me, you’ve got tools, ingenuity, and dirt under your nails. Try these:

1. Gravity Roll & Hill Leverage
If you’re on a slope, disengage the gear (neutral for manual, N for automatic) and coast down to save fuel or reposition. Use gravity like a silent partner.

2. Fuel Scavenging with a Siphon Kit
Keep a manual siphon hose in your kit. Abandoned vehicles are everywhere during a bug-out. Siphon from RVs, lawnmowers, or even boats. Just be discreet and safe—fuel fumes are deadly.

3. Alcohol-Based Emergency Fuel Substitute
Got hand sanitizer, ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol? Some engines (especially older ones) can run briefly on high-proof spirits. Don’t make it a habit, but it can buy you a mile or two. Use a clean cloth filter and pour carefully into the carb or intake with moderation.

Final Thoughts from the Road

Virginia is rich in history and terrain, but when SHTF, it’s also one of the most complex states to escape from or drive across safely. I don’t say that lightly. The mix of dense suburban sprawl, mountainous choke points, flood zones, and unpredictable weather means you need to have your head on a swivel and your gear squared away.

When you’re behind the wheel in a survival scenario, your car isn’t just a vehicle—it’s your last line of defense, your lifeline, and sometimes your home. Treat it that way. Prep it. Learn it. Master the terrain it rolls over.

And remember: The map is not the territory. Plans change. Roads close. Engines fail. But a calm mind and sharp skills? That’s survival.

Stay dangerous. Drive smart.

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

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

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

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

Why Knowing These Roads Matters

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

15 Survival Driving Skills to Drive Your Way Out of Disaster

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

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

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

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

1. Gravity-Fed Fuel Transfer Using Clear Hose

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

2. Use Cardboard or Cloth to Improve Traction

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

3. Convert Manual Transmission Push-Start Technique

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

Vermont’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist

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

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

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

Vermont’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

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

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

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts From the Road

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

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

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

Iowa’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

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

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

The Most Treacherous Roads in Iowa During a Disaster

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

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

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

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

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

Tips for Staying Alive on Iowa Roads

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

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

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

Idaho’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist

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

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

The Five Worst Roads in Idaho During a Disaster

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

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

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

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

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

15 Survival Driving Skills That Can Save Your Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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