Roadside Flares: LED or Burning - Preference?

[markemge]

Hello, I am new to this forum. I am working to produce an overview on the opinions of roadside flares. I am curious what your various preferences are.

There seem to be an influx of LED roadside flares, but I am wondering how effective these are. Some of the drawbacks I have heard are that they can take up too much storage space in the trunk of a police crusier. I have also heard that they are not as effective as the burning roadside flares.

Regarding the burning roadside flares, I have heard that they have a tendency to start roadside fires. These flares also can burn officers' pants, shirts and sometimes even their shoes.

I would love to hear any additional comments or feedback that you may have to add to my overview.

Thank you,

Mark Emge

[Deputy Joe]

I have seen traditional flares burn or melt clothes. I think if you handle them properly, they are good to go. They are good at getting attention.

I have never seen the LED flares, so I am unable to comment on them.

[Ranger__101]

You are correct that if flares are not used properly then can ignite grass fires. In fact many fire departments use road flares to start controlled burns.

Most flares come with a metal stand or nail so they can be stood up in the road or staked in the gravel to lessen the chance of a fire.

The LED flares are really nice, but they just don't have the attention getting power of a flare during the daylight. During night a LED cone can be just as effective depending on how bright the LED flaire is and how big the flare is.

As for trunk space they can take up the size of a tool box to hold 12 flares and will need to be hard wired to the car to stay charged. 12 flares take up the size of a coffee can.

As for price, nothing beats flares. The LED's are just so expensive, it's hard to justify the cost.

[markemge]

Thank you for the feedback. It seems as though size and storage size is a big issue.

In regards to size, do you feel that existing flares (LED or burning) are located high enough off the ground for optimal visibility?

Also, if you have used any LED flares, were there certain features or details that led you to like or dislike the LED flare (ex. hand-held option, color selection, size, overall design)?

[fetom]

This is what we use, with red and blue alternating led's

[markemge]

Thank you for your feedback fetom. Yes, I have noticed the E-Flare. It seems to be quite different from the PowerFlare or the TurboFlare, which both have very low profile. I would think that since the light source is off the ground, the E-Flare would have a larger cone of light and would be easier to see.

Are there any issues with the E-Flare being blown around or over by strong winds?

I am also curious is the E-Flare can withstand a collision by an automobile. When the E-Flare is struck, does the base break or seperate from the Flare itself?

I am curious if anyone else has any interesting stories on LED flares or standard burning flares? All of your input has been very helpful.

[mcsap]

We have used flares for the 19 yrs I have been a civilian LEO. They are quite bright and we have never had a problem starting any fires. It all has to do with the placement. Some officers have burned holes in their clothing but it is rare , again, it is how they are handled.

We have also had flares run over, what would happen to your LED flares if they got squashed ?

[steelcityk9cop]

We have also had flares run over, what would happen to your LED flares if they got squashed ?

We would never see another LED flare again!!

[P01IC3M4N]

i have both. i've only used the LED flares once, but that was because my regular flares got wet and wouldn't ignite. when i used the LED flares, two got run over and it didn't damage them. they are just flashers though. flares lay a distinct and steady burning path. most people won't run over them either because the heat is likely to melt the tire.

[Johninaustin]

We've tested the LED flares, our problems stem from the cost, storage space in the trunk with the charger thingy,, and the high loss rate. (folks steal them, or officers don't retrieve them all.) There also seems to be a problem with folks actually recognising them as safety devices.

Regular flares are dirt cheap, we buy them by the pallet load, and a year supply is still more cost effective than equipping cars with LED flares.

[Legoate]

Everytime I have ever laid a flare pattern someone has run over it. I can't imagine it would be good for the LED flares. I'm suprised this isn't more of a problem with people who use the LEDs, maybe drivers in CA are just dumber than those from other states.

[Johninaustin]

Everytime I have ever laid a flare pattern someone has run over it. I can't imagine it would be good for the LED flares. I'm suprised this isn't more of a problem with people who use the LEDs, maybe drivers in CA are just dumber than those from other states.

Oh no, they run them over, but the donut shaped one's are pretty tough. I can't speak of the others, :confused:

[fetom]

Thank you for your feedback fetom. Yes, I have noticed the E-Flare. It seems to be quite different from the PowerFlare or the TurboFlare, which both have very low profile. I would think that since the light source is off the ground, the E-Flare would have a larger cone of light and would be easier to see.

Are there any issues with the E-Flare being blown around or over by strong winds?

I am also curious is the E-Flare can withstand a collision by an automobile. When the E-Flare is struck, does the base break or seperate from the Flare itself?

I am curious if anyone else has any interesting stories on LED flares or standard burning flares? All of your input has been very helpful.

the E flare sits in a rubber disc about 6 or 7" diameter and has never blown over. If it were to be struck by a vehicle, the rubber base would flex and the flare would pop out of the retaining slot. We have not had one run over, yet, but the casing feels very sturdy. With only 2 D cells to power it is fairly cost effective. The older style e-flare which has a rounded base and uses a rotator disc to reflect the leds as a flashing light are more suspetible to damage when run over. We normally get those ones replaced when they are destroyed by traffic.


is the turbo flare the frisbee like spider gismo witht the rapid chaser led? if so we use them on our booze busses but not general issue for traffic units.

[fetom]

The issue of the burning flares here was also that they were classed as explosives and dangerous materials. The "People that matter" did not want these in the boot [trunk] of our cars and they were also concerned about the enviromental issues with the smoke and the residue. :confused:

[Johninaustin]

I can't remember the brand name, but our sample was a flat profile solid plastic donut with LED's chasing around inside. They stored on a charger post that bolted to the floor of the trunk.

They'd be great for disco clubs.:D