Quick Answer
Use road flares correctly by placing them 10 feet apart, angled to face oncoming traffic, and extinguish them when you're no longer stranded to avoid hazards. This setup increases your visibility to other drivers. Proper flare usage saves lives.
Proper Placement and Angle
When stranded in a snowy environment, place road flares 10 feet apart, angled to face oncoming traffic to maximize visibility. This distance helps ensure that other drivers see the flares before reaching your location. Position the flares on the side of the road or on the center median, depending on the road layout, to alert oncoming and following traffic. Avoid placing flares on hills or in areas with heavy snowfall, as they may not be visible.
Safety Precautions and Handling
When handling road flares, wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat and flames. If you’re in a group, assign a person to attend to the flares while others work on repairing the vehicle or seeking help. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for flare usage and extinguish them when you’re no longer stranded to avoid hazards and fires. Store the flares in a safe place, away from children and pets, when not in use.
Long-Lasting Visibility in Snowy Conditions
In snowy conditions, use multiple flares to increase visibility, especially if you’re stranded during the night or in low-visibility areas. Consider using reflectors or other visual aids in conjunction with road flares to enhance visibility. Place a reflective triangle or emergency warning sign near the rear of your vehicle to alert following traffic.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.