This is a little red flashlight, period.  Yes, the red light is bright, and yes, it blinks if you set it to do so.  But this would NEVER take the place of a real flare under any circumstances.
DO NOT buy this to replace the flares you should carry in your car emergency kit!!!!

Most flashlights have the light beam coming straight out of the end of the tube.  This one has the light coming off the side, like a beacon or lighthouse.  It can ONLY be viewed from straight on!  While a flare puts out intense light in all directions (like a sparkler) this little flashlight only puts out light in one direction - the direction you have faced the beam.  DO NOT BUY, except as a toy, or as a hiking signal light - I have given it two stars for it being at least that useful.

Flare?  No way.
This is a little red flashlight, period. Yes, the red light is bright, and yes, it blinks if you set it to do so. But this would NEVER take the place of a real flare under any circumstances. DO NOT buy this to replace the flares you should carry in your car emergency kit!!!! Most flashlights have the light beam coming straight out of the end of the tube. This one has the light coming off the side, like a beacon or lighthouse. It can ONLY be viewed from straight on! While a flare puts out intense light in all directions (like a sparkler) this little flashlight only puts out light in one direction - the direction you have faced the beam. DO NOT BUY, except as a toy, or as a hiking signal light - I have given it two stars for it being at least that useful. Flare? No way.