interstate travel

[infidel]

If there was a disaster and everyone is using the interstate or a financial meltdown, couldn't this result in complete chaos on the roads with people creating roadblocks to rob people? What are some tips to get around situations like this or to travel and avoid people during travel in higher populated areas?

[Ineffable Aces]

Originally Posted by infidel

If there was a disaster and everyone is using the interstate or a financial meltdown, couldn't this result in complete chaos on the roads with people creating roadblocks to rob people? What are some tips to get around situations like this or to travel and avoid people during travel in higher populated areas?

The temptation, IMO, is to flee for refuge alone or with only your family. Then, as now, there is strength in numbers. Travel in larger caravans of people who are trying to reach a common destination. I imagine in nearly any state in the westerly U.S. will have a fair contingent of people fleeing to Alaska. Make sure the group you travel with not only has firearms, but are skilled in using them. You git feeling about leadership will likely not be too far off, so don't hesitate in inwardly questioning the leadership of people with suspicious character.

[NappyRootz]

Take the back roads.

[residentfetii]

Why would people go to alaska also, what if you're trying to travel to meet up with your family but going from a low population density area to deep within a high population density area?

[bkt]

Originally Posted by infidel

If there was a disaster and everyone is using the interstate or a financial meltdown, couldn't this result in complete chaos on the roads with people creating roadblocks to rob people? What are some tips to get around situations like this or to travel and avoid people during travel in higher populated areas?

Unless staying home would pose a serious threat to my family, that's exactly where I'd stay. If I were away from home and trying to get back home, I'd take the back roads, fields, any path at all that my vehicle could traverse.

Carry detailed maps with you when you travel.

[Dean]

Taking the back roads could be even more of a risk. Easier to road block.

[1984CJ]

Originally Posted by Dean

Taking the back roads could be even more of a risk. Easier to road block.

This is true. However, the interstates WILL be blocked! There are many more back roads and (in my opinion) the type of people that will be looking to do organized highway robbery are less likely to be familiar with back roads during the first days of a total anarchy situation.

I have to agree with BKT that good maps of your area of operations is a must. Along with some personal knowledge about how to use them and preferably of the roads themselves.

[netandtim]

The time to work this out is now. If you plan on taking backroads between point A and point B, have you driven them? Do you have more than one alternate path chosen?

Hubby and I did just that this past weekend while out at the farm. I had searched the area with Google maps and found small dirt roads between A and B....we tried them out to see if they were passable. As a result, we have a alternate route if necessary.

[Smithy]

The question for roadblocks is not which back roads will they be on, but at which chokepoints? "All roads lead to your front door", so start there... how many ways can you leave your house? 1? 2? 5? Branch out from there, and start mapping (and marking on your detailed map) every chokepoint that limits your options, to and from your home/work/hideaway. Come up with a network of alternatives, assuming Interstates and major state highways become controlled.

This is where a dirt-worthy motorcycle starts coming in reeeeel handy. Unfortunately, you can't evac a family and supplies on one.

[Dean]

It's not practical for most but a quality 4x4 and topographical map of the area would be very helpful to determine choke points and bypasses.