What are road flares primarily used for?

Road flares are primarily used to mark roadways and alert drivers to hazards or accidents. When deployed at a scene, they create a visible warning to approaching vehicles, helping to prevent further accidents and ensuring the safety of both the responders and the public. Their bright color and ability to burn for an extended period make them effective for drawing attention in low-visibility scenarios, such as during nighttime or inclement weather.

While signaling for help is important in emergencies, the primary function of road flares is to create a clear visual warning. Indicating the locations of fire hydrants and providing light in emergency shelters are functions that other tools or equipment are designed for, rather than the specific purpose of road flares. Thus, marking roadways and alerting drivers is where their main utility lies.