Tag: survival driving skills

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

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

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

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

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

The Worst Roads in South Dakota to Avoid in Disaster Scenarios

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

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

Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios in South Dakota

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

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

DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

Stay sharp, stay ready, and drive smart.

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

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

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

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

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

The Worst Roads to Drive in New Hampshire During a Disaster

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

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

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

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

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

Survival Driving Skills to Drive Your Way Out of Disaster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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.

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.

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

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Nevada RoadsLeave a comment

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

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

The High-Risk Highways and Byways

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

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

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

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

15 Survival Driving Skills to Get You Out Alive

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

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

3 DIY Gasless Driving Hacks

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

1. Solar Still for Fuel Recovery

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

2. Gravity-Fed Fuel System

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

3. Biofuel Burn Conversion

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

Final Thoughts from the Driver’s Seat

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

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

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

Escape or Else: Survival Driving Through California’s Worst Roads in a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn California RoadsLeave a comment

By someone who’s driven out of hurricanes in Louisiana, through wildfires in Arizona, and around landslides in Peru, I’ll tell you this: in a real disaster, the road is either your way out—or your grave. California is paradise on a good day. But when the ground shakes, the hills burn, or the skies dump weeks of rain in hours, it turns into a gauntlet of broken asphalt, choked highways, and panicked masses.

I’ve driven all over the Golden State, from Death Valley to Shasta, and I’ve seen what happens when people don’t know how to drive their way out of a crisis. You want a fighting chance? You need more than just four wheels and a gas tank. You need grit, smarts, and survival skills behind the wheel.

Before we talk about California’s worst roads during a natural disaster—and trust me, some of them look like warzones when things go bad—let’s go through the survival skills that can make or break your escape.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life

1. Know Your Rig Inside and Out
You can’t drive it to survive if you don’t know what it can and can’t do. Learn your vehicle’s ground clearance, fuel economy, tire pressure, how to reset fuses, change a tire fast, and handle minor repairs with basic tools.

2. Navigate Without GPS
Signal’s down. Phone’s dead. Cell towers gone. Paper maps and instinct take over. Train yourself now—study the areas you frequent and keep maps in your glove box.

3. Handle Panic Turns at High Speed
Whether it’s a fallen tree, an overturned semi, or a crowd, you’ll need to turn fast without rolling. Practice defensive, performance-level cornering in safe areas.

4. Understand Traffic Psychology
People panic. Intersections clog. Tempers flare. You’ve got to read the road and the people. Avoid bottlenecks and stay away from big groups unless necessary.

5. Drive Off-Road, Even in a Sedan
Get off the main road when you must. A city car can handle dirt or grass in short bursts. Know how to ease over terrain without killing your undercarriage.

6. Get Through Flooded Roads Smartly
Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet; a foot can float your car. Only cross floodwaters if you know the depth and flow—and never stop in the middle.

7. Execute Fast Reverse Exits
Sometimes forward is blocked. You must reverse down a winding road under pressure. Train your reverse driving like your life depends on it—because it might.

8. Use Engine Braking
When your brakes overheat on a downhill, your engine becomes your best friend. Downshift and slow your roll without frying your pads.

9. Fuel Conservation Driving
Ease off the gas. Don’t idle. Coast where you can. Use the A/C sparingly. Small savings add up when there’s no gas for 50 miles.

10. Master Controlled Skids
Whether on mud, gravel, or rain-slick roads, knowing how to correct a slide without oversteering is the difference between a scare and a crash.

11. Identify Chokepoints Ahead of Time
Before disaster strikes, know where the bridges, tunnels, and single-lane roads are. These are where traffic—and trouble—backs up.

12. Emergency Towing and Being Towed
Carry a tow strap and know where your car’s tie-down points are. Sometimes you pull, sometimes you get pulled.

13. Use Improvised Traction Tools
Keep floor mats, kitty litter, or traction boards in your car. In a jam, they’ll help you get unstuck from sand, snow, or slick terrain.

14. Stay Calm Behind the Wheel
You won’t think clearly if your hands are shaking. Breathe. Focus. Talk yourself through it out loud if you must. You’re the captain now.

15. Drive Like Everyone Else is Desperate—Because They Are
Assume every driver is on edge, every pedestrian is panicking, and every stoplight could fail. Defensive, alert, and adaptive—that’s how you stay ahead.

3 DIY Survival Fuel Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

1. Siphon With a Pump, Not Your Mouth
Keep a small manual siphon in your kit. You can pull gas from abandoned vehicles or generators. Know how to do it cleanly and legally, especially during crisis scenarios.

2. Emergency Diesel Alternatives (Only for Diesels)
Older diesel engines can handle filtered vegetable oil, used motor oil, or kerosene in desperate times. Don’t rely on this unless you’ve practiced it before, but it can get you a few more miles to safety.

3. Stash-and-Cache Method
Store small containers (1-2 gallons) of stabilized gasoline at known points along your route—buried or hidden under rocks or brush. Rotate every six months. It’s your breadcrumb trail out of hell.

California’s Worst Roads to Drive on in Case of a Natural Disaster

Some roads in California become flat-out death traps when disaster hits. Whether it’s landslides, flooding, earthquakes, fires, or mass panic, these stretches are best avoided if you can help it. Here’s the insider list from someone who’s driven them all.

1. Interstate 405 (Los Angeles)
Even on a sunny weekday, it’s a crawl. Add panic, smoke, or seismic damage? You’re not going anywhere. Avoid this artery unless you’re already ahead of the herd.

2. Highway 17 (Santa Cruz Mountains)
A slick, winding two-lane that’s prone to landslides and fog. Earthquake or storm? This turns into a blocked snake pit.

3. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Beautiful and deadly. Landslides, cliff collapses, tsunami exposure, and nowhere to turn around. You don’t want to be here when the ground moves.

4. The Grapevine (Interstate 5)
Steep, exposed, and cut off easily by fire or snow. When the CHP closes it, people end up sleeping in their cars.

5. Highway 138 (San Bernardino County)
Winding, narrow, with a history of fatal crashes. Combine that with wildfire evacuations and poor visibility? Recipe for disaster.

6. I-80 Through the Sierra Nevada
Known for sudden whiteouts, truck pileups, and avalanche zones. One storm shuts it all down. Good luck getting a tow up there.

7. US Route 101 in the Bay Area
Bottlenecks near bridges, vulnerable to sea-level flooding and seismic events. If a big quake hits, this road becomes a trap.

8. Angeles Crest Highway (Route 2)
Twisting mountain pass with no cell service. Rockslides, fire closures, and snow make it dangerous even when there isn’t a disaster.

9. CA-1 through Big Sur
One slide and you’re stuck between ocean and cliffs. Stunning to drive when dry—but post-rainfall or quake? Total no-go.

10. Central Valley Back Roads (County routes in flood-prone farmland)
When the levees break, these become inland seas. No signage, soft shoulders, and few escape options. Study alternate routes if you live here.

Final Words from the Road

Survival isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation. Your vehicle can be your best friend or your coffin, depending on how well you’ve prepared. Know your routes. Know your rig. Know yourself.

In California, where wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and mudslides compete to ruin your day, you can’t afford to rely on Waze or pray for the highway to clear. Practice your survival driving. Cache your fuel. Learn how to bail out and walk if you must.

Because when the road disappears, the bridges fail, or everyone slams their horns in panic, the people who make it out aren’t the ones with the nicest trucks or the newest apps.

They’re the ones who already knew how to drive when everything else falls apart.