Today, I’ve got something really important to share with you…
A Complete Guide To Finding (& Using) Road Flares
Because they’re a life saving device I believe EVEYONE should own.
Unfortunately, few people do. And it’s a shame!
Why? Because being stranded on the side of a highways is one of the most deadly places to be…
But which is BEST? Old school flares or newer LEDs? And how do you use them properly?
Today, I’m going to answer all these questions (and more):
TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE… ↓(click to jump)
- Best Road Flares On The Market
- Why EVERYONE Should Own
- Different Kinds Of Road Flares
- How To Use Them Properly
- The Best Flare Features…
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These road triangles are DOT-approved!
Composed of a 17 x 17-inch reflective panel and fluorescent plate, these reflective triangles are incredibly noticeable at night, during the day, or in any weather.
The Cartman safety triangles have a rotatable and sand-filling base; each weighs 2.98 lbs.
Designed to withstand strong winds and continuous gusts from passing cars.
No tools are required.
The folding and snap-fit design of emergency triangles makes them very easy to use and meets the need for quick and convenient storage.
↓ Cartman Warning Triangle
Hokena has packaged a set of five bright LED flares (including batteries) in a solid storage bag. It also includes the tools to replace the batteries.
Plus, it has an emergency glass-breaking and seatbelt-cutting tool.
These flares are very bright, with several lighting modes that will be useful in any situation.
They're solidly built and feature a strong magnet base.
But the devices are someone on the light side. So they may move if they are not solidly attached to something.
↓ Hokena – LED Road Flares – Emergency Lights
The Cyalume SnapLight flare chemical light stick is the flare alternative you didn’t even know you needed!
These durable, waterproof signaling devices are safer and more reliable than typical pyrotechnic flares thanks to their non-flammable, no-heat generated chemistry.
Additionally, these chemical light sticks provide ultra-intense, bright orange light for 30 minutes – no matter their condition or environment.
They’re the perfect choice as emergency or safety lights and an ideal flare alternative.
↓ Cyalume Flare Alternative – Emergency Light Sticks
One thing that sets the Garage Monkey kit apart from the others is the fourth flare.
This allows you to be more visible right away!
They also feature 9 different light modes, giving you many options for signaling.
Finally, if you are not 110% thrilled, get in touch, and they'll send your money back.
These Emergency Roadside Smart Flares are highly visible LED road flares.
These super-bright red LED arrays can be seen a mile day and night.
It has 3 different flash modes: Strobe(SOS)/Flashlight/Solid, and they only require 12 AAA batteries (battery included).
It comes with a solid storage case and a 100% SATISFIED guarantee.
↓ Magnatek Smart Flares – Emergency Roadside LED Flare Kit Review
If you have extra space in your kit, consider these Reliancer Collapsible Road Cones with LED strobes.
They store in 10" cubes but pop up to give you 5 bright orange, 18" tall road cones to be visible during the day.
At night, turn on the LED flares, and these cones flash to give other drivers plenty of warning.
↓ Fordable Safety Cone With Reflector & Flashing Light
StonePoint Emergency Road Flare Kit comes with three LED Emergency Beacons.
Also included is a bag to store and protect these LED road flares.
They produce light with 360-degree visibility up to two miles away!
Each light has a 20-hour run time in steady mode, while it has a 60-hour run time in flash mode.
These lights have a powerful magnetic base and are crush-resistant for up to a 6,000-pound vehicle.
Why Everyone Should Get Some Road Flares
Most people already know what a road flare is.
They’re a visual warning device for your vehicle breaking down on the road.
It’s a device used to warn oncoming unsuspecting traffic that something is wrong up ahead.
And these devices are a MUST-own.
Why? Because when someone leaves their broken down vehicle on the road at night without an insanely bright warning – they’re putting innocent lives at risk.
Listen, I’m not one to make anyone do something they don’t want to do.
But I feel like all vehicles should be required by law to have a set of road flares.
Because without a clear visual warning of a broken-down vehicle, especially on highways…terrible things happen.
There’s no way to know for sure but I feel like a “bright as hell” set of flares could have prevented this:
↓ Caught On Camera – Multi-Car Crash
Or how about this one?
↓ Los Angeles Police Abandon Stranded Motorist On Freeway
The bottom line is:
Owning a set of super bright LED road flares will protect you AND innocent travelers when your vehicle stops on (or near) a busy roadway.
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Different Kinds of Road Flares
There are two main types of roadside flares being used today:
- LED electric flares
- Pyrotechnic “fuse” flares
- Snap Light Flares
LED Electric Flares
Modern LED flares are battery-operated, running on several AA or AAA cells.
Most of them are waterproof designs, shaped like a hockey puck with bright LEDs on the outer edge.
These flares can run for hours (even days) on a single set of batteries.
Pyrotechnic Flares
Pyrotechnic flares are often called “fuse” flares.
They are handheld-sized cardboard cylinders filled with a bright-burning chemical mixture.
The exterior is often treated with wax or other waterproofing materials.
But beware:
The fuses can absorb moisture and lose their efficiency over time.
They typically burn for under an hour and produce a lot of heat.
So they can also double as firestarters in an emergency.
SnapLight Flares
These are more like the traditional Pyro flares but without dangerous fire components.
Snaplights work the same way Halloween safety lights work for kids.
You know, those neon light sticks parents force their kids to wear, hoping to make them more visible…
You apply pressure to them (or “snap” them), creating a chemical reaction of neon-bright light.
Simple, safe, and effective.
How To Safely Use Road Flares In A Emergency
The entire point of a road flare is to alert other drivers.
So it’s important to consider how other drivers will see your flares.
They’re not doing their job if they’re hard to see or don’t provide enough warning distance.
How Many Flares?
Most kits contain 3-4 individual flares.
This is plenty for the majority of road emergencies.
If you decide to go with pyrotechnic fuse flares, get multiple sets, as they only burn for a limited time.
Otherwise, with LED flares, make sure you keep some spare batteries with your set.
Where Do You Place The Flares?
The best location for the flares is determined partly by the type of road you are on.
All traffic should be approaching from behind your car on a one-way road.
In this case, you can place all your flares behind your vehicle to warn drivers before they reach you.
If you’re on the side of a two-way road, be sure to place at least one flare in front and behind your car.
This allows you to warn drivers coming from either direction.
How Far Do You Space The Flares?
Spacing changes based on the type of road you are on.
You want to give drivers enough warning to stop or avoid your vehicle.
Let’s go over 2 extremes to give you some rough guidance:
On a limited-access divided highway with traffic moving at 70mph –
In this case, you’ll want to put the first warning flare pretty far back behind your vehicle.
This may mean putting the first flare 200-300ft (or further) before your car, with a second flare 100ft closer.
A third flare can be placed near the vehicle to give a final warning.
On a two-way, undivided road on a residential street with traffic moving at 25 mph –
Place flares roughly 100ft in either direction.
The bottom line is:
You must give other drivers enough warning to slow down or stop to avoid your vehicle.
Speed and “divided vs. undivided” are the two biggest factors for optimal placement.
How Can You Make Flares More Visible?
Some LED flares come with magnetic bases or hanging hooks.
Why? Because height can drastically increase the mounting options for your flare.
Guard rails, traffic cones, and even roadside vegetation can provide a higher location.
This allows it to shine further down the road.
For flares used at the vehicle location, a magnet base makes the side or roof of the vehicle a great location as well.
How Does Weather Affect Flares?
Wet or snowy conditions can present challenges to both LED and pyrotechnic flares.
Snow or mud can build up on the flare, obscuring its light until it’s cleaned off.
Be sure to check your flares frequently if they show signs of being blocked.
Heavy slush or deep puddles can soak pyrotechnic flares, putting them out prematurely.
Again, keeping your flares elevated can help with these weather-related problems.
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The best-LED road flares have some common features, so be sure to look out for these:
Waterproof Design
Chances are that you’ll need a set of flares most when the weather is worst.
A waterproof design means an LED flare will withstand the worst that nature can throw at it.
And not fail when you (and innocent travelers) need it the most.
Multiple Strobe Modes
Most LED flares have a flashing strobe mode, while some also have SOS and flashlight modes.
Either can be helpful and while similar, they are not the same.
SOS is a universal urgent call for immediate help or assistance.
This should only technically be used if someone needs immediate assistance, usually due to injury.
A regular strobe signals a warning of a hazard up ahead.
Magnetic Base
A magnetic base allows you to mount the flare to any steel object – cars, signposts, guard rails, etc.
Hanging Hook
Sometimes it’s best to have another mounting option that doesn’t require steel surfaces.
A folding hook is a great way to hang the flare from branches or other objects.
Rugged Design
Like all emergency equipment, look for a flare with a rugged design.
They need to be able to withstand weather, drops, and falls.
Or, more likely, being run over by vehicles and still functioning.
A cheap design will not last; you’ll find they fail at the worst possible times.
If you decide to store some pyrotechnic flares in your vehicle kit, there are some features to look out for:
Waterproof Storage Box
As I’ve mentioned, pyrotechnic flares are susceptible to moisture.
That’s why it’s so important to keep them dry at all times.
Many people store them in Ziploc plastic bags, but they can often get torn or ripped with rough treatment.
If you’re going to carry them in a vehicle all the time, it’s best to store them in a waterproof box.
Just add a desiccant pack to be sure they’re as dry as possible.
Built-In Striker
While keeping a lighter with the flares is a good plan, it’s best to have flares that can light on their own.
You don’t want to pull out a flare only to realize you don’t have a match or a lighter on you.
That’s why most flares have built-in strikers that allow you to light them like a giant match.
Non-Toxic Design
It’s harder to find a pyrotechnic flare that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals, but they do exist.
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇Final Thoughts
Times have changed, and newer LED road flares are better than ever.
The only time I would include pyrotechnic flares would be in a winter emergency kit.
That way, they can be used in a pinch as a fire starter.
Otherwise, they’re not worth the trouble.
Skip the toxic smoke and fire risk with vehicle fluids or dry conditions near the road.
It’s beyond the time you add a bit of visibility to your roadside emergency kit today!
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