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What are Road Flares?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Road flares are a piece of safety equipment used to alert people to hazards in the road such as closed lanes, accidents, fallen trees, and other issues. Law enforcement officers, ambulances, and fire trucks typically carry road flares as part of their emergency response kit, and motorists can carry flares as well. Sources for road flares include auto safety catalogs, automotive stores, and catalogs which carry equipment and supplies used by emergency responders.

The road flare consists of an insulated stick which carries explosive material. When the flare is activated, typically by pulling a tab, the fuse on the end of the flare lights, and it will remain lit for 15-20 minutes, depending on the flare's manufacture. Substances can be added to the flare to make it burn red, green, blue, or yellow, and the flare may include safety measures such as a spark deflector or roll prevention stand to avoid causing a fire.

Road flares are typically part of a response kit used by emergency personnel.
Road flares are typically part of a response kit used by emergency personnel.

The light emitted by road flares is extremely bright, to make it visible from a great distance and in conditions with poor visibility. Safety recommendations for road flares usually include laying several in a row to attract the attention of oncoming traffic, and collecting the flares after they burn out for proper disposal, since they can be hazardous. It is also important to store road flares in a cool, dry place away from light, and many companies sell their flares in protective containers for this purpose.

Ambulance workers may put out road flares to alert motorists to a severe automobile accident.
Ambulance workers may put out road flares to alert motorists to a severe automobile accident.

Individual drivers can set flares after an accident, to alert oncoming traffic to the fact that there is an obstacle in the road. Flares should be laid in the lane of the accident in both directions to avoid confusing drivers, and it is important to exercise caution when setting out flares, to avoid being struck by cars. Emergency responders set road flares to indicate road closures, alert drivers to obstacles in the road, and to map out approaches for emergency responders arriving by air; for this reason, people should not disturb road flares.

It is important to use caution when setting out flares to avoid being struck by cars.
It is important to use caution when setting out flares to avoid being struck by cars.

When drivers see that flares have been set, they should slow down until they know why the flares are in place. If a lane is closed and someone is directing traffic around an accident or ordering drivers to detour, they should do so in a sedate manner, remaining aware of risks such as approaching traffic which may be speeding, or traffic from side roads which may not be expecting cars. Drivers who carry flares for safety should make sure that they are stored in a secure place in the vehicle, such as inside an under-the-seat safety kit.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@raynbow- Though having several flares in your automobile safety kit is a great idea, don't hesitate to get a few even if you can't afford a lot of them. Even one or two road flares will give you added safety and peace of mind if your car breaks down along a road or highway.

Heavanet

@raynbow- I think the more you have, the more attention you will be able to draw to your car if you break down. If you have at least five flares, you will be able to place them several yards up the road to warn other drivers to slow down and look out for a car along the side of the road.

When you buy your road flares, it's a good idea to get several extras to keep on hand. When you do this, you will have some to replace them with if you have to use your flares.

Raynbow

I never thought about including road flares in the safety kit in my car, but after reading this article I'm thinking buying some. I'm wondering how many it takes to grab the attention of other drivers in the event of a break down. Does anyone have some thoughts about this?

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    • Road flares are typically part of a response kit used by emergency personnel.
      By: storm
      Road flares are typically part of a response kit used by emergency personnel.
    • Ambulance workers may put out road flares to alert motorists to a severe automobile accident.
      By: corepics
      Ambulance workers may put out road flares to alert motorists to a severe automobile accident.
    • It is important to use caution when setting out flares to avoid being struck by cars.
      By: Yuri Bizgaimer
      It is important to use caution when setting out flares to avoid being struck by cars.
    • Road flares are often used to close off a section of road where an accident has occurred.
      By: 00Ffilip
      Road flares are often used to close off a section of road where an accident has occurred.