Marcala LED Road Flares Emergency Lights | 3-Pack Roadside Safety Disc Kit w/Whistle | DOT Compliant Emergency Flares for Car w/Batteries Installed | Roadside Emergency Car Kit with Flares

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I bought these instead of liquid flares as my DOT approved flares

Outfitting the family car for emergencies, I had many and widely ranging concerns. I didn't want to store large amounts of emergency equipment and on top of that, have that equipment fail during an actual emergency. I wanted something effective, fool-proof, and something that didn't take up a lot of space. So I considered safety cones, flares, reflective signs, and other light products.First, I considered what most roadside crews use - cones. What I found was that most cheap cones and collapsible cones will be blown away if there is ample wind, or a car or truck whips by your cone. To avoid that issue, you can buy heavy weighted cones but those don't collapse and they take up a lot of space in your trunk and they're very expensive.Second, I considered flares. I've also seen these used for roadside emergencies. They definitely stand out more than cones, they're visible from farther away, you can outline a boundary that's a safe distance from your car, and there's the benefit of no batteries required. The negatives for flares include the chance that you hold them the wrong way and you drop smoldering embers onto your skin or clothes, the flares can roll out of position, the flares will go out if you drop them instead of placing them down, you may accidentally place them in an area with gasoline or other flammable liquids making for a terribly dangerous fire hazard, they're not reusable because you have to break them out to put them out (and because once you expose the ignition and striker, it's dangerous to store them in that state) -which also makes more work for you. Worst in my book is that there are documented cases of flares igniting within a cargo area when they're jostled around and the striker and ignition pieces get exposed.Third, I considered reflective signs. I felt these were not universally understood as roadside emergency. They could be mistaken for bumper stickers or business signs, for example. Also, cars have to be fairly nearby for their headlights to reflect off the signs. Although easy to store, they're also easy to accidentally bend and so forth. For me, these just weren't cutting it in the effectiveness department.Finally, I considered lights. What was most important to me about lights was lumens (brightness), battery life, how easy it was to place them in visible areas. Most lights are sold to go on the top of the roof or on the windshield or onto the back window. These lights are so much more effective because you can outline your entire car with them by just sticking them on. If it's safe to let your child out of the car, even a child could do it. Sometimes I take a couple with me when I go walking because they're easy to spot in case of emergency. Also, It was important to me that they blinking patterns are universally understood as emergency, just like a car's hazard lights. The brightness is great. We've had them over a year and batteries are still fine. They're very compact. They're very affordable. I think these are the best choice for roadside safety and you can also use them for camping, on hikes, on bicycles, basically any time you need a bright light because they're very multipurpose.

These are exactly as pictured and described by seller on amazon. Tried 4 of a package of 12, all functioned perfectly, very bright.

I bought the 12 pack so I could put 4 in each of our three vehicles. They are bright, but I hope I never have to use them!!

This is the kind of device that you hope you never need. However, if you do it's great to have them available. 6 come in the package so we put 2 in each of our 3 vehicles. We tested them to make sure they work and they did. I must say, they are very bright.

Everything was as expected. Bought a 12 pack and dplit with friends for a fantastic deal.

I have not had the bad fortune to use these, but I used similar more bulky LED lights at a vehicle crash and it made a big difference. I did unbox and unwrap these to ready them for use. The carrying case is easy to use one-handed. I will test out the tool included at a later date. Each light worked well, the magnet did stick on the side of the vehicle (even on a dirt covered area) without any problems. The light is bright and very noticeable. I purchased the set of six, which allows one for the roof of the vehicle, and five to use as guides on the ground. You have to decide which sequence of flashes you feel are appropriate for your situation. Some may cause confusion if bunched too close, but I can see a use for each sequence. I did like the sequence which provides a simple flash sequence and a top light which would angle a bright white steady light to a working area, (example changing a tire, under the hood toward the battery or engine.). I am going to test them in a large parking lot on a foggy day to get an idea of the warning distance it provides to other drivers. I am unsure of its night time distance or daylight visibility.I was not sure of the whistle, but after expanding the use of this kit beyond a car this would be great for a boat that has lost power on the water, or provide one to each hiker in a party of six, just in case someone gets lost. I think this is a good buy, and will give these out as gifts in the future, just for some peace of mind.

Great lights and BRIGHT! Like the case it comes with to keep them together. The magnets in them does keep them where you put them and they are sturdy. Highly recommend them.