Electronic roadside “flares”

[Bugkiller99]

Anyone have any experience with them? Using them, or even just seeing them used used.

Putting together a kit for my wife’s car. She can’t/won’t use a standard flare. I realize they may not meet DOT standards, but this is for personal use. I can keep up with changing batteries on a schedule, so that is not a problem.

Any of you LEO see them? Use them?

 

[WR Moore]

If you're looking for a warning device, the truckers reflector sets are good. No batteries, available in most auto parts stores or online. I doubt you'll see LLEA use them (electronic "flares") if they don't meet DOT specs. Not to mention initial & ongoing expense.

One of the reasons I keep a couple actual flares around is that I live in a rural area and being able to drop a throw away warning on the other side of a curve can be a handy thing. Especially if you're not involved and they don't need help but pose a hazard. They also allow you to start fires in really nasty weather.

 

[oneounceload]

Big orange triangles that reflect well can be more readily seen then flares in many situations

 

[BearBio]

Big orange triangles that reflect well can be more readily seen then flares in many situations

But I keep a few flares just in case. Cascade winters can be tough and flares can start a fire if stranded.

 

[stansdds]

I keep one of these in my vehicle. Very effective, especially at night.

 

[old bear]

Having set more than one or two patterns flare over the years, I still prefer the real burning style flares. They work and work well and if properly set you can lay them so the last end of a burning flare light a second flare.

 

[NYlakesider]

But I keep a few flares just in case. Cascade winters can be tough and flares can start a fire if stranded.

Around here flares are sometimes called North Woods Matches!

 

[Jessie]

Always carried the real ones to mark driveways or sharp curves with wrecks, etc.
You must be careful of fires when using, of course

 

[Jessie]

For some reason here they called them “ matchees” pronounced like it’s spelled.

 

[Rudi]

I keep 6-7 flares in each vehicle. Low tech works.

 

[WR Moore]

I originally (deep in the previous century) heard the flares referred to as "fuzees". That may have been a brand name.

This thread caused me to recall an incident several years ago on a major news show where they were encouraging the use of those glow sticks instead of flares for "safety" reasons. The male anchor made a comment about how having the flares available also was a good idea and the (airhead) female said "Oh no, that could start a fire!" You could see the male anchor start to reply and change his mind. I'd have loved to have heard what he might have said during commercial.