Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

What is *road side flare*?

Thanks

[Hayde]

Hi,
if you have a sentence with that phrase, it would help.

I think a road side flare is anything that will show you need help on a road (usually highway). So if your car breaks down on the highway (especially at night), this will show other drivers (cars) where you are (so they don't hit your car) and that you need help.

(But, a flare is like a firework. I don't think that people actually have those in their cars, though I might be wrong.)

[haoren]

sorry ,i have no idea about it.
who can help us?
i am eager to get your reply!!!!!

[pugachevV]

A flare is a long red cylinder about 2cm wide and about 30 cms long. It is made of cardboard and coloured red. It is filled with a chemical compound that burns with an intense red light. It has a metal spike on the end so it can be stuck in the ground. Inside the cap on the end there is a means to light it like a giant match.
In USA and Canada police and truck drivers carry them to warn approaching traffic of some hazard (traffic accident or stalled vehicle etc.)
They light them and stick them in the ground maybe 100 metres ahead of the hazard.
Each one burns for about 20 minutes.

[haoren]

pugachevV
thanks for your help.
i have mastered the context of flare.
thank you.have a nice day!