Tag: road-trip

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.

Nebraska’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Nebraska’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Hard-Learned Lessons

I’ve driven across deserts where the air could melt rubber, crossed frozen mountain passes where one wrong turn meant an icy death, and crawled through swamps that swallowed tires whole. But nowhere tests your nerves in a disaster like the flat, deceivingly gentle landscapes of Nebraska. It’s a land that hides danger in its simplicity. When the storm hits or the grid goes down, the Cornhusker State becomes a maze of impassable roads, blackouts, and waterlogged ditches.

I’ve spent years on the move, teaching myself how to survive behind the wheel. So take it from someone who’s had a few too many close calls—if you’re trying to get out of Dodge when all hell breaks loose in Nebraska, there are certain roads you’d do best to avoid. But even more importantly, you need to know how to drive when the rules no longer apply.

Let’s dig into the worst roads in Nebraska to be caught on during a crisis, then I’ll walk you through 15 survival driving skills to keep you alive, and 3 emergency hacks when the gas runs dry.

Nebraska’s Disaster-Prone Roads to Avoid

These roads might seem fine under clear skies, but when things turn south—floods, storms, civil unrest, or fuel shortages—they become traps.

1. Highway 275 (Between Norfolk and Fremont)

Flood-prone with poor drainage and aging bridges. One good storm and you’ll find yourself in a watery grave or stuck in an endless reroute.

2. Interstate 80 (Especially Omaha to Lincoln)

It’s a straight shot through the state, and that’s the problem. In a disaster, it’s a magnet for traffic jams, accidents, and panicked evacuees. You’ll be a sitting duck.

3. Highway 6

This two-lane route clogs quickly in emergencies and floods in spring storms. Visibility drops, and the ditch depth can flip your vehicle if you’re not careful.

4. Highway 20 (The Bridges to Nowhere)

In northern Nebraska, the infrastructure can’t handle a deluge. Rural bridges get washed out, and there’s nobody coming to fix them during a statewide disaster.

5. Highway 2 through the Sandhills

Beautiful terrain but treacherous when wet or snowy. No cell service for miles, and breakdowns here mean you’re truly alone.

6. Loup River Valley Roads

These scenic byways turn into mud pits. You’ll sink before you see a soul. Not worth the risk unless you’re packing a winch and 72-hour rations.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Can Save Your Life

If you’ve ever driven in chaos—roads crumbling, people panicking—you know it takes more than guts. It takes skill. These are the moves that have saved me time and again.

1. Threshold Braking

Keep your tires just at the edge of locking. Perfect for wet, icy, or loose gravel situations.

2. Skid Recovery

Turn into the skid, don’t fight it. Let the tires catch naturally. Fighting it just sends you sideways into a ditch.

3. Situational Awareness

Constantly scan your environment. Don’t fixate. One eye on the road, the other on potential threats or alternate exits.

4. Low-Speed Maneuvering

When debris or stalled cars block your path, crawling through tight spaces with precision becomes your ticket out.

5. Hand Signals for Low Visibility

When tail lights are useless in smoke or blackout conditions, knowing and using hand signals for convoy communication is vital.

6. Driving Without Headlights (Stealth Mode)

You don’t always want to be seen. Learn to drive with just enough dash light and moonlight when needed.

7. River Crossing Assessment

If you have to ford water, check depth with a stick and look for current. Never cross a flowing stream above your axle unless it’s life or death.

8. Run-Flat Tire Management

Learn how to keep rolling on compromised tires, and pack tire sealant and an air compressor.

9. High-Centering Recovery

Get off the hump by letting air out of your tires slightly and using traction aids like sand ladders or even floor mats.

10. Using Terrain for Cover

Avoid ambushes or flying debris by hugging terrain contours or parking behind natural barriers.

11. Rearview Bluff

Make your vehicle look like it’s been stripped or burned to deter looters—blackened windows, fake smoke damage, or broken glass on the dash.

12. Car Barricade Breaching

Know how to slowly push aside a stalled vehicle (or other obstruction) without damaging your radiator. Go low, push near the rear quarter panel.

13. Fuel Conservation Driving

Drive in high gear, avoid rapid acceleration, and coast when possible. Every drop counts when the pumps are dry.

14. Defensive Driving Under Fire

Not metaphorical—real bullets. Zigzag, use obstacles as shields, and never stop in the open. Reverse can be just as fast as drive.

15. Escape Route Mapping

Always know three ways out: one obvious, one hidden, one crazy. Think fences you can smash, alleys, or even train tracks.

3 DIY Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

Now let’s talk worst-case: you’re stranded. No gas, no AAA, just a quiet Nebraska road and a long night ahead. Here are three bushcraft-meets-automotive tricks I’ve used in the field.

1. Siphon Every Drop (Even From Yourself)

Keep a siphon hose and fuel-safe container. You’d be shocked how much fuel’s left in “dead” cars, lawn equipment, even abandoned tractors. Pro tip: rural properties often keep fuel tanks near barns. Respect private property, but survival is survival.

2. DIY Ethanol Booster

Corn country, right? If you’re desperate, ethanol or moonshine can work in small doses for older vehicles (pre-2001). Never run it straight, but you can mix it 10–20% with existing gasoline to eke out a few miles. Don’t try this in modern fuel-injected vehicles with sensors—they’ll hate it.

3. Roll and Glide Technique

Find a decline and coast. Seriously. Every foot helps. Push the vehicle onto a slope, shift into neutral, and use that to gain distance or even line of sight to rescue or fuel. Gravity never runs out.

Final Thoughts from a Road-Hardened Nomad

Nebraska’s beauty is deceptive. It looks like open country, a straight shot to safety. But under the pressure of disaster, those long roads twist into traps. With water rushing over bridges, winds flattening fields, and desperate people doing desperate things—you need more than horsepower. You need skill, planning, and a cool head.

I’ve driven out of wildfires, riots, and once, a Category 4 hurricane. But the loneliest and scariest escape I ever made was in the Nebraska Sandhills, with only a half tank of gas, a busted alternator, and the radio dead from EMP interference. I made it out by knowing when to drive, when to hide, and when to ditch the road entirely.

So next time you’re topping off your tank or checking your map, ask yourself: If the world went dark today, would I know how to drive my way out?

If you’re not sure, start practicing. Because in a real disaster, Google Maps won’t save you. But your skills just might.

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.

Pennsylvania’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

I’ve seen roads that chew tires like stale jerky, highways that turn into parking lots during hurricanes, and backroads where GPS gets you killed. But nowhere quite matches the unpredictable cocktail of terrain, weather, and infrastructure decay you’ll find on Pennsylvania’s worst roads during a disaster.

I’ve been up and down this state more times than I can count—bugging out from Philly riots, cutting across the Alleghenies during winter blackouts, even towing a broke-down Ford out of a Susquehanna flood zone. So when I say Pennsylvania’s roads can kill you if you’re not prepared, I mean it literally.

Let’s break down the worst offenders, give you some hard-earned survival driving skills, and toss in a few gas hacks you’ll thank me for when the pumps run dry.

The Worst Roads in PA During a Disaster

1. I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway – Philly)

Locals call it the “Surekill” for a reason. During any major disaster—be it a snowstorm, protest, or chemical spill—you’re crawling at 5 mph. Collisions are common, and escape routes are limited. The shoulder? Nonexistent in some areas.

2. I-78 Through Berks and Lehigh Counties

When the snow hits, this becomes a graveyard of jackknifed semis. With poor visibility and heavy freight traffic, you better know how to maneuver or you’ll end up part of the wreckage.

3. Route 222 (Lancaster to Reading)

Rural traffic meets sudden urban congestion. This road gets slick fast and is prone to flash flooding in low-lying farmland areas. When farmers bug out, they bring big machines—and they’ll clog up these narrow lanes.

4. PA Turnpike (Especially the Tunnel Sections)

Tunnels like Allegheny and Tuscarora can become traps during earthquakes, fire, or even just a multi-car pile-up. And let’s not forget the cash-only exits—ever try bartering jerky for a toll? Doesn’t work.

5. Route 22 (Central PA near Altoona)

This road is a mess in winter. Ice, fog, and steep curves make for lethal conditions. If you’re not ready for low visibility and tight maneuvering, stay off.

6. I-95 in Delaware County

Gridlock heaven, even on a good day. One overturned truck and you’re stuck with nowhere to go. Add panic evac traffic? Forget it.

7. Route 33 near Wind Gap

When winds scream down the mountains, semis start dancing. I’ve seen campers rolled like dice on this stretch.

8. I-81 Through Scranton

Trucker central and full of steep grades. One fuel shortage and the whole artery clogs with stalled rigs and desperate drivers.

9. Route 30 Through the Appalachian Foothills

Beautiful, sure—but it’ll get you killed if you’re not paying attention. Fallen trees, rockslides, and zero cell signal in spots.

10. Kelly Drive – Philadelphia

Scenic and suicidal during flooding. This road turns into a river every other big storm. Locals sometimes risk it, and they often regret it.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Master Now

  1. Throttle Control on Ice
    Ease into the gas. Hammering it just spins tires. Survival driving is about finesse, not force.
  2. Threshold Braking
    Master this on wet asphalt. It’s that fine line between locked wheels and total stop. Crucial during fast-developing pile-ups.
  3. Handbrake Turning
    Sometimes a 3-point turn gets you killed. A handbrake pivot can swing you 180 in seconds on gravel or ice.
  4. Engine Braking on Descents
    In mountainous terrain like the Laurel Highlands, use low gear. Don’t ride the brakes—you’ll cook ’em before you reach the valley.
  5. Spotting Escape Routes
    Constantly scan for drainage ditches, medians, and off-road paths. Sometimes you go through a field, not around it.
  6. Driving in Convoys
    Keep radio contact. Maintain enough space to swerve if the lead car gets ambushed—or crashes.
  7. Navigating Without GPS
    Old-school maps never run out of batteries. Know the stars, know the sun, and read the land.
  8. Reverse Maneuvers Under Stress
    Practice backing up full speed, around bends. You’ll need it in alleys or tunnel retreats.
  9. Driving With a Trailer
    Evac with a bug-out trailer? Learn how to reverse it properly—especially in tight spots.
  10. Night Driving Without Lights
    Use night vision if you got it. Otherwise, drive under starlight to avoid detection.
  11. Spotting Road Hazards
    Sinkholes, black ice, and fallen power lines are all over PA. Keep your eyes moving, and trust your gut.
  12. Wading Across Flooded Roads
    Know your vehicle’s fording depth. When in doubt, don’t. Most cars get swept in less than 2 feet of water.
  13. Changing a Tire Fast, in the Dark
    Practice this blindfolded. One flare or flashlight gives away your position. Silence and speed are life-saving.
  14. Driving with Broken Windows or No Windshield
    A shattered front glass can blind you. Keep goggles in your kit and know how to clear glass safely.
  15. Reading Tire Tracks
    You can tell what passed before you—how recently, how heavy, and how fast. Useful for tracking—or avoiding—others.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

  1. Siphon the Smart Way
    Carry a hand-pump siphon. Look for stranded vehicles (RV parks are goldmines). Newer cars have anti-siphon valves, so know where to puncture the fuel line if needed—just don’t light a smoke while doing it.
  2. DIY Alcohol Fuel
    You can burn high-proof alcohol (like Everclear) in small quantities in older engines or multi-fuel vehicles. Filter it through a rag and pour small amounts mixed with regular gas. Not ideal—but it’ll get you moving.
  3. Gravity Feed System
    If your fuel pump dies, mount a gas can on your roof or roof rack and gravity-feed it to your carburetor (won’t work with fuel injection unless modified). Emergency-level stuff, but it’s saved my bacon once in West Virginia.

Final Word from the Road

Pennsylvania isn’t the easiest state to drive through on a sunny day—let alone when the sky’s falling, the roads are crumbling, and people are panicking. But survival isn’t about convenience. It’s about being ready when others freeze, flee, or fail.

Your vehicle is your lifeline—but only if you treat it like your rifle or your firestarter: with knowledge, respect, and readiness. Know the terrain, master the skills, and for the love of all things diesel, keep your tank half-full at all times.

Whether you’re dodging a storm, a riot, or just plain bad luck, remember: roads don’t kill people. Unprepared drivers do.

Oregon’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

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

Oregon’s Most Dangerous Roads During a Disaster

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

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

15 Survival Driving Skills You Better Master

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

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

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

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

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

Closing Thoughts from the Road

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

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

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

Iowa’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

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

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

The Most Treacherous Roads in Iowa During a Disaster

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

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

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

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

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

Tips for Staying Alive on Iowa Roads

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

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

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

Montana’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

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

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

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

The Worst Montana Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life in Montana

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

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

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

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

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

Final Word From the Road

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

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

Wisconsin’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

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

When you’ve spent as much time behind the wheel as I have, clocking miles through backwoods, city chaos, and unforgiving terrain, you learn a few things the hard way. One of the golden rules of survival driving? Don’t trust the road just because it’s paved. And in Wisconsin, when the skies open up or disaster strikes, there are a few roads that go from challenging to downright deadly. I’ve driven them all—through snow squalls, floods, tornado warnings, and fire evacuations. Trust me when I say these roads demand respect.

Before I tell you which roads to avoid, let’s talk about the skills that can keep you alive behind the wheel. Because in a true disaster, your engine and your instincts are your best friends.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Help You Escape a Disaster Scenario

  1. Situational Awareness
    Don’t just drive—observe. Note exit routes, traffic flow, weather patterns, and people’s behavior. Disasters evolve quickly, and awareness gives you the edge.
  2. Low-Visibility Navigation
    Learn how to drive with limited sight. Whether it’s smoke from a wildfire or blinding snow, keeping your wheels straight and slow might be your only ticket out.
  3. Flood Driving Tactics
    Never drive through water you can’t see the bottom of. But if you must, go slow, stay in the middle of the road, and keep the revs up to avoid stalling.
  4. Off-Road Readiness
    Your car doesn’t have to be a 4×4 to survive a backroad escape. Drop tire pressure slightly, steer steady, and avoid sudden turns to handle loose gravel or mud.
  5. Escape Planning Under Duress
    Know multiple escape routes from any given location. GPS is nice—until the signal’s gone. Paper maps save lives.
  6. Panic Braking Control
    Train yourself not to slam the brakes. In a crisis, pumping the brakes or using threshold braking can prevent skidding or a full loss of control.
  7. Tactical U-Turns
    Practice tight 3-point and J-turns. If you’re blocked in or ambushed, knowing how to turn around in limited space could be life-saving.
  8. Drive-by Fire Awareness
    Wildfires are fast. Heat can burst tires, and smoke kills visibility. Keep windows up, air on recirculate, and avoid stopping near dry brush.
  9. Engine Preservation in Crisis
    Avoid overheating in slow-moving traffic by switching off the A/C, shifting to neutral when stopped, and staying off the gas.
  10. Fuel Conservation Driving
    Smooth acceleration, low RPMs, and coasting when safe can stretch a nearly empty tank farther than you’d think.
  11. Driving with a Damaged Vehicle
    Know how to handle a car with a blown tire, dragging bumper, or broken windshield. Sometimes crawling forward is better than walking.
  12. Crowd & Riot Navigation
    Stay calm, avoid eye contact, and never accelerate through crowds. If blocked in, reverse slowly or reroute altogether.
  13. No-Lights Driving
    Practice stealth driving at night without headlights. Use the moonlight and follow painted lines or the road edge if it’s safe to do so.
  14. Signal Use & Communication
    Hand signals, hazard lights, and honking rhythms can warn others of danger or show intent when electronic systems fail.
  15. Escape on Empty
    Learn to coast in neutral, avoid idling, and use gravity. Don’t burn precious fuel unless it gets you closer to safety.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

  1. DIY Fuel from Lawn Equipment (Gas Siphoning)
    If you’re stranded near a residential area, check garages or sheds for lawnmowers or chainsaws. These often have a small stash of gasoline. Use clear tubing and gravity to siphon into a bottle—do it safely and always check for contamination.
  2. Alcohol-Based Fuel Substitutes
    In an absolute pinch, small amounts of isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol (from first-aid kits or stove fuel) can be mixed with the remaining gas. Don’t make a habit of it—it’s hard on your engine—but it might get you a mile or two closer to help.
  3. Portable Solar Charger for Navigation Devices
    Out of fuel but not out of options? A small solar panel charger can keep your GPS or phone alive long enough to find help. Mount it to the roof or dashboard and let it trickle charge while you assess your surroundings or prepare to walk.

Wisconsin’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

Now let’s talk Wisconsin. Most people know it for cheese and Packers, but during a flood, blizzard, or blackout, the roads here can turn lethal. Based on my experience and reports from emergency responders, here are the worst offenders:

1. I-94 Between Milwaukee and Madison

This high-volume artery gets jammed fast during an evacuation. Add a snowstorm or a wreck, and you’re parked for hours with nowhere to go.

2. Highway 35 Along the Mississippi River

Scenic? Sure. But during floods or spring thaws, this road gets washed out. It’s also narrow with few escape routes up the bluffs.

3. I-41 Through the Fox Valley

Too many drivers and too few exits. In a fire or chemical spill scenario, you could get trapped quickly between Appleton and Green Bay.

4. County Trunk Highway A in Door County

Tourist traffic clogs this scenic stretch, especially during summer. One accident and you’re stuck on a narrow peninsula with no alternate roads.

5. US-2 Through Northern Wisconsin

Isolated and poorly maintained in winter, this road turns treacherous fast. Cell service is spotty, and gas stations are miles apart.

6. Highway 29 West of Wausau

Crosswinds and black ice make this route a nightmare in winter storms. Combine that with low visibility and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

7. I-43 Between Sheboygan and Milwaukee

Slick with freezing rain and overburdened with big rigs, this stretch bottlenecks in storms. Add panic evac traffic, and you’re going nowhere.

8. Highway 13 in the Wisconsin Dells

Tourist central. If disaster strikes in peak season, traffic grinds to a halt. Narrow side roads aren’t meant for mass evacuation.

9. State Highway 23 Through the Driftless Region

Beautiful hills, winding curves—but landslides and fallen trees after heavy rain can block entire sections with no warning.

10. Beltline Highway (US-12/18) in Madison

A short but crucial urban connector that becomes gridlocked even on a normal day. A disaster here would trap thousands between city zones.

Final Thoughts from the Road

I’ve broken axles in potholes, coasted on fumes through blizzards, and navigated washed-out backroads with nothing but a compass and instinct. Surviving on Wisconsin’s worst roads during a disaster isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, improvisation, and guts.

Don’t wait until you’re stuck on I-94 behind a jackknifed semi to figure this stuff out. Train now. Practice these skills. Stock your car with a get-home bag, paper maps, snacks, water, and a portable battery bank. Remember, your vehicle is your first line of defense—and possibly your last chance at escape.

And above all, don’t assume the fastest route on your GPS is the safest. Sometimes, the long way through the woods is the only way home.

Utah’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

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

Driving Through Hell: Survivalist Tactics for Navigating Utah’s Worst Roads in a Disaster

I’ve crossed deserts with a leaking radiator, powered a truck with cooking oil, and once drove 60 miles with no brakes through war-torn terrain. I’ve learned one thing: survival favors the prepared, and nowhere is that truer than the remote, rugged, and often unforgiving roads of Utah. When disaster strikes—be it quake, flood, fire, or civil unrest—knowing how to drive your way out can mean the difference between life and death.

Utah is a stunning land, but don’t let the red rock beauty fool you. It can turn deadly fast. With fault lines under Salt Lake City, wildfire risks in the Wasatch, and flash floods in the canyons of Southern Utah, you need more than four-wheel drive. You need grit, knowledge, and a rig that won’t quit.

Let me walk you through the worst roads to be caught on when hell breaks loose, and the skills you’ll need to escape.

Utah’s Worst Roads in a Natural Disaster

  1. Interstate 15 through the Wasatch Front
    It’s the main artery, but that’s the problem. One quake or crash and it’s a parking lot from Ogden to Provo. Urban gridlock + panic = chaos.
  2. SR-9 into Zion National Park
    Gorgeous, but it turns into a deathtrap in flash flood season. Narrow, winding, and boxed in by canyon walls. No way out if water comes.
  3. Highway 6 through Spanish Fork Canyon
    Rockslides, poor visibility, and sudden weather shifts make this one a gamble on the best of days. In a quake or storm, you’re done.
  4. Mirror Lake Highway (SR-150)
    High-altitude and scenic, but it’s often snowbound even in early summer. Cell signal? Forget it. Landslides are common after storms.
  5. US-89 through Southern Utah
    Desolate and wide open, but prone to washouts and debris flows. If your tank’s not full or your rig’s not ready, you won’t make it.
  6. Parley’s Canyon on I-80
    Major route out of Salt Lake City, but slick in winter and vulnerable to truck crashes. A backup here can trap you for hours.
  7. La Sal Mountain Loop Road
    Remote, steep, and nearly impassable after rains or fire. Gorgeous views, but you’d be better off with wings if disaster hits.
  8. Capitol Reef’s Notom-Bullfrog Road
    Remote dirt track with clay-rich soil. When wet, it becomes pure sludge. People get stuck here on purpose trying to test themselves. Bad idea in a crisis.
  9. Kolob Terrace Road
    Twists and elevation changes make it beautiful but treacherous. Add a wildfire or landslide and you’re driving blind.
  10. Little Cottonwood Canyon Road (SR-210)
    Avalanche central in winter, and crowded with tourists year-round. One accident, and you’re locked in with nowhere to turn.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Might Save Your Life

  1. Driving Without Headlights (Night Stealth)
    Know how to navigate by moonlight or use just your running lights. Light draws attention in post-disaster chaos.
  2. Manual Transmission Mastery
    You’d be shocked how many people can’t drive stick. When automatics fail or you need to jump into an abandoned vehicle, this saves your hide.
  3. Off-Road Recovery Techniques
    Know how to rock your vehicle free, use traction boards, or build ramps from logs. Getting stuck can be fatal.
  4. Reading the Land
    Learn to read water drainage, slope lines, and road crown. It’ll help avoid flash floods, soft shoulders, or terrain that will swallow your wheels.
  5. Engine Cooling Tricks
    You may be crawling in 100-degree heat. Learn tricks like turning on the heater to bleed engine heat, or carrying aluminum foil for makeshift heat shields.
  6. Improvised Tire Repair
    Know how to use tire plugs, fix a bead break, or use duct tape and zip ties to limp on a shredded sidewall.
  7. Gas Can Handling and Fuel Transfer
    Carry a siphon kit and know how to use it. Stealing gas may be the only option when stations are empty.
  8. Driving in Reverse for Distance
    Sounds ridiculous, but if a road is blocked and turning around isn’t an option, you might need to back out a quarter mile or more.
  9. Braking with a Failed System
    Learn engine braking techniques and how to use terrain to slow down—like uphills or embankments.
  10. Vehicle Camouflage
    Paint mud on reflective surfaces, cover shiny parts, and learn how to park in shadow or brush to stay hidden.
  11. Escape Driving Under Gunfire
    Zig-zag driving, suppressing speed, using terrain like boulders or buildings for cover—this isn’t just for movies.
  12. Fuel Efficiency Tactics
    Kill A/C, slow down, coast when possible, and avoid hard acceleration. Fuel stretches longer than you think if you’re smart.
  13. Water Fording Techniques
    Know how to gauge depth and current. Enter slow, steady, and don’t stop. Know where your air intake is.
  14. Using Maps Without GPS
    Old-school paper maps and a compass never run out of batteries. Know how to read topo lines and mileage charts.
  15. Towing and Pushing Vehicles
    Chains, winches, or even using your rig to shove a dead vehicle off the road can be the difference between being trapped or getting out.

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

  1. Alcohol-Based Fuel Substitute (in an Emergency Only)
    Everclear, high-proof liquor, or rubbing alcohol can sometimes be used in small doses in older engines—especially carbureted ones. Not ideal, but enough to maybe get a few miles closer to safety.
  2. DIY Solar Oven Gasifier (Advanced)
    With metal cans, some tubing, and organic material, you can build a crude gasifier to generate burnable vapors for small engines. It’s slow and inefficient, but in the boonies, it can save you.
  3. Fuel Scavenging Rig
    Build a simple siphon setup with food-grade tubing and a primer bulb. Keep it clean, coiled, and stored in a side panel. In a pinch, you can draw from lawn equipment, boats, or other stranded vehicles.

The Survivalist’s Take

Surviving a disaster in Utah isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s about knowing the land and being mentally and mechanically ready to improvise. The desert will eat you alive if you think cell service and Google Maps are a plan. I’ve pulled families out of canyons and found hikers who were days from dying of dehydration. The consistent factor in who survives isn’t strength—it’s preparation.

You don’t need a $90,000 overlanding rig. But you do need a well-maintained vehicle, fuel on hand, food and water in your cab, and the will to do whatever it takes.

If you’re heading into the wild, or even just commuting across the Wasatch in winter, think like it’s a war zone—because sometimes, it is.

Drive smart. Drive prepared. Drive like your life depends on it—because one day, it just might.