While most roadside safety kits contain at least one traditional incendiary device, they may not be the most harmless way of attracting help.
With burn temperatures of 5,000 degrees and a laundry list of toxic chemicals, the name “safety flare” may be an oxymoron because they are neither safe nor environmentally friendly.
Moreover, road flares, if used improperly, can easily ignite gasoline and burn the clothes or skin of even the most experienced user.
The Keystone Group, based in Niwot, Colo., has introduced a more family-friendly solution: an alternative to the conventional flare called FlareAlert – a battery-operated flare that can be seen for miles around from both the air and ground.
Steve Jones, president of the Keystone Group, first marketed the FlareAlert to police and fire departments, which have bought tens of thousands of the devices. Now the company is offering the product to the general public.
Millions of drivers could benefit from having emergency flares. AAA, for instance, responds to more than 28 million calls for road service annually.
The FlareAlert contains 12 high-output light emitting diodes that...