Road Flare Safety Tips
When using road flares, always follow safety guidelines to ensure your personal security, and the security of your vehicle and any passengers you may have. An accident or a breakdown is distressing, and you don’t want to exacerbate the problem by putting yourself in harm’s way setting out flares, or possibly accidentally igniting your car or roadside vegetation.
1. Set Up Flares
It is recommended to always have flares on hand, but you should not always take the risk of setting them up. First, examine your location and only set up road flares if you can exit the vehicle without entering the flow of traffic.
2. Measure Appropriate Distance
Road flares should not be used right next to your car. To determine the appropriate distance, multiply the location’s speed limit by four. The resulting figure is the number of feet away from your car you should set up road flares for maximum visibility to other drivers. For example, if the speed limit is 30 mph, you should set up a flare 120 feet from your vehicle. For speed limits over 50 mph, add 100 extra feet to the total.
3. Select Location
Flares should be placed on a flat surface free of dry grass and plants. If you have plastic flare holders, set up the flares in a position that directs oncoming traffic around your vehicle. Assemble one flare behind your car at the appropriate distance, and one in front of your car at an equal distance.
4. Light the Flare
If you have gloves or safety glasses in your car emergency kit, wear them while lighting the flare. Hold it at arm’s length, remove the cap, and strike the end to light. Flares sputter when lit, so do not stand downwind — the sparks could cause your clothing to catch fire. Point the flare toward the ground when carrying it. Place it exactly where you want it — do not throw it, as it could roll into oncoming lanes of traffic.
5. Extinguish the Flare
Road flares usually burn for 30 to 60 minutes. If you have received help within that time frame and are ready to depart, you can grind the burning end of the flare into the ground to douse the flame. You also can leave the flare on the side of the road. Road flares are constructed to self-consume, so no remnants will be left behind or harm the environment.
Extra Safety
If your car is leaking oil or gas, never light a flare close by. Flares are flammable pyrotechnics and could cause a vehicle explosion. When stopping to assist other motorists, always park in front of their car. Set up flares around your vehicle as well. Never attempt to light flares if you were just seriously injured in a crash. Do not enter a highway lane or a high-traffic road to set up flares around an accident scene. Call the police and stay in your car while professionals map out the crash site with flares.
If you need professional vehicle towing and additional road flare safety help, contact Stauffer’s Towing today for licensed, expert car removal.