"but what I don't understand is why some people don't get off and use state highways to circumvent the slow moving traffic."
Those that know the "back roads" do use them to get out during evacuations. But in most cases these are merely two lane highways and they, too, move at a snails pace. I think it is simply the huge number of people on the roads. You get breakdowns, fender benders, etc. that tie up traffic and it's downhill from there. I heard a caller on the radio today complaining because two cars had a minor fenderbender and they remained in the middle of the highway blocking 2 lanes of traffic while they exchanged insurance information.
That's my simple two cents. Perhaps there's some on this thread who may have a more informed answer.
I would add that, relatively speaking, there aren't a whole lot of secondary roads running through the swamps, compared with other regions of the country.
Thank you.
I struggle to grasp just how awful it must be, because I'm one of those who would strike out on gravel roads traveling in the general direction of my destination rather than deal with gridlock.
I appreciate the time and effort you took with your explaination.