If flares or red electric lanterns are not available, what is required?

The requirement when flares or red electric lanterns are unavailable is to use three liquid-burning flares. This is essential for ensuring safety on the road, especially in emergency situations when a vehicle is disabled or poses a hazard to other drivers. Flares provide visible warnings, especially in low-light conditions, allowing other road users to recognize a potential danger from a distance. Using three flares creates a more effective warning by establishing a clear perimeter around the hazard, alerting drivers to slow down and navigate safely around the situation.

While options such as red flags, portable reflectors, and warning cones may be used in certain scenarios, they do not have the same level of visibility and effectiveness in alerting drivers in emergencies as liquid-burning flares do. Therefore, having three flares on hand is the mandated alternative when traditional warning devices are absent, ensuring that motorists can promptly identify a vehicular emergency and react appropriately.