Areas to Avoid if at all possible
Charts below are from DanaMite’s experience of living and driving in Southern California from 1990-2009. Some of these areas may have become better or worse, depending on local circumstances and populations.
Traffic Jam Freeways:
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fleeing from SoCal –
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returning to SoCal –
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your escape route outta town
preplan for freeway gridlock – before you get stuck in it.
| Region – San Diego | |||
| freeway | days | times | problem areas |
| 5 N | weekdays | 4-7pm | 805 merge to Encinitas |
| 15 N | weekdays | 3-6pm | Mira Mar to Escondido |
| 8 E | weekdays | 4-6pm | Mission Valley to LaMesa |
| 5 | weekends | 11am-4pm | summer months – beach traffic |
| 5 near Del Mar | all week | 11am-7pm | Horse Races JUNE – SEPT |
| Region – Los Angeles | |||
| freeway | days | times | problem areas |
| 5 N | weekdays | 4-7pm | Orange County to LA |
| 5 S | weekdays | 4-7pm | LA to Orange County |
| 405 N | all the time | 1-9 pm | LAX airport to San Fernando Valley |
| 405 S | weekdays | 4-7pm | LAX airport to Long Beach / Orange County |
| 405 | weekends | 10am+ | summer months – beach traffic |
| 10 E | weekdays | 3-7pm | jct of Interstate 605 to Interstate 15 |
| 91 E | weekdays | 4-7pm | winter months: Big Bear ski traffic can be heavy until 11pm |
metro / metropolis
Term used to differentiate a single city from a grouping of cities. Large urban centers draw in the good and bad – crowds, businesses, services, criminals and the homeless. The city centers will have hospitals, grocery, fast food, restaurants and big box chain stores.
Illegal raves and outdoor parties, with unruly young people can also be found in rural or forested areas. If you come across an abundance of cars and vehicles, parked along the roadside in a remote area, you will find a large event nearby – if you follow the blasting electronic music. Drive many miles away (to another spot) if you are seeking a quiet camping experience.
After Dark: World Gone Crazy
Civil Unrest in Cities:
2020 UPDATE – In this time of uncertainty, we feel it necessary to let you know about real-life threats and cautions you should consider while traveling. Lockdowns, curfews and criminals are now bigger concerns, along with the growing police state. Recently released inmates: Criminals will more likely prey on people and property at night, when less people are out and less light will protect their identity.
FREAKS COME OUT AT NIGHT. Protestors that plan their marches during the day are safer, and are way different than the restless ones who choose hit the streets after dark. The thugs, hoodlums, and kids (who seek the thrill of danger) are more likely to be out and about at night. Looting, arson and violence escalates after the sun goes down.
- DO NOT travel or drive at night inside a large city or metropolis.
- DO NOT visit an unfamiliar city or metropolis, at night.
- DO NOT dine out in a city or metropolis, at night. If you need to shop, do so in daylight hours.
- DO NOT park on the street overnight; find a parking lot, or a private driveway – to leave your vehicle while you sleep.
- GIVE your timeframe and itinerary to someone you trust, and stay in contact throughout your travels.
- NEVER leave anything inside your car, as these unknown items are just a reason for the possibility of a break-in. Always lock your vehicle and set the alarm.
- REFUELING/RECHARGING your vehicle in a city is often necessary while traveling; Choose a freeway exit outside of the city center and use a well lit gas station or recharging station. Lock your vehicle if you need to go inside.
- BE CAUTIOUS of strangers that approach you out in public with questions or small talk. Thieves often use this strategy to catch you off-guard. Couples walking around with a gas can, asking for spare change, can also be a set-up to take advantage of you. Tweekers and drug addicts will use a wide variety of tactics, so be aware of their behaviors when you see them.
UNLESS YOUR FAMILY CAMPED while growing up, most of us get “into the outdoors” with little to no education on the wild. The Wilderness: areas without electricity, spotty cell phone coverage, and no medical facilities. There is a lot to learn, if you want to actually enjoy yourself outdoors, be well fed, comfortable, get good sleep – and not get lost.
