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.