Having roadside emergency lights is something that is nice to have in many scenarios, from breaking down, back tail lights stopped working, or any time road hazard lights are needed.
Using them when being broken down is no doubt the time they are used the most, but I have also used them in many other scenarios.
For example, a trailer I was towing one time had the back tail light not working with the sun going down.
Instead of doing a roadside fix, I was able to stick an emergency light on the back until I could get to a safe spot to troubleshoot it.
Most roadside lights have magnets built-in, which make them ideal for a quick tail light fix.
Of course, this is only one scenario with low-cost emergency lights good to have handy in many situations.
Below are some of our favorite options, with many more available.
As always, be sure to read reviews on Amazon, here, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a right pick for you.
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Our Picks for Best Road Side Emergency Lights
- Wagan EL2639-3
- FlareAlert LED Beacon Road Flare
- Twinkle Star Emergency
- CARTMAN Warning Road Safety Triangle Kit
FRED flashing roadside emergency lights are very popular and are nice to have if broken down.
They are round with rubber on the outside, making them more rugged and built better to withstand drops or other impacts.
They are also water resistant and powered by 3 AAA batteries.
The back has a magnet that makes it good for sticking to the back of a vehicle or even a trailer the lights have stopped working on.
The FRED has ten different flashing modes, including flashlight, double blink, double pulse, single blink, rotate, SOS rescue (Morse code), and much more.
A button on the top is pressed to cycle through the modes.
Flare Alert also makes some good emergency lights.
They are round red units which are made of plastic.
While built solid, they are not as rugged as the FRED lights but still work well.
They are simple units with a dome on the top and an LED light bulb inside.
The back has four small pads which help to grip a surface.
There is also a magnet behind the plastic on the back for it to stick to metal objects.
To insert batteries, the top is twisted off and is powered by standard 3 AAA cells.
The Flare Alert has three modes: strobe flashing, steady flashing, and always On.
Flares are also a popular option and work very well.
The Twinkle Star unit stands up off the ground on four legs, making them more visible.
They are powered by 3 AAA batteries and have multiple flashing modes.
Triangle roadside safety lights are universally known and work very well.
This type is reflective, with many other types available.
Best Road Side Emergency Lights Comparison Table
| Name | Multiple Flashing Modes | Magnetic |
|---|---|---|
| FRED | Yes | Yes |
| Flare Alert | Yes | Yes |
| Twinkle Star | Yes | No |
| CARTMAN | No | No |
Do LED Road Flares Work?
Yes, LED type road flares work very well and are becoming more popular compared to standard flares.
Depending on the unit bought, they often have different brightness and modes, such as strobe.
They also are easy to store in a vehicle for when an emergency occurs.
Are Road Flares Worth It?
Yes, road flares are very useful anytime a breakdown or accident occurs.
They help to alert oncoming drivers of the situation and react by moving over a lane or slowing down.
Flares can be left in the trunk or glove box of a vehicle just in case such an event was to happen.
Is it Safe to Keep Flares in a Vehicle?
Yes, flares are made to be stored away unit an emergency happens, at which time they can be used.
They are manufactured to be stored in a vehicle just in case such an event was to happen.
Summary
Roadside emergency lights are often not thought about until they are needed. Once they are needed, they can be invaluable in warning oncoming traffic or even as emergency tail lights.
They are low-cost items that pack easily into a trunk or behind a seat out of the way until needed.
Do you have a favorite roadside emergency lit type? Let us know in the comments below.