Why should flares be used with caution after an accident?

Flares should be used with caution after an accident primarily because there may be fuel spilled on the ground that could catch fire. When a vehicle is involved in a collision, fuel leaks can occur, and using flares—which are designed to produce fire—can ignite the spilled fuel, leading to potentially catastrophic fires and further endangering individuals at the scene.

While the concerns about attracting wildlife or creating additional traffic hazards are valid, the immediate risk posed by potential fuel spills makes the caution surrounding flare use more critical. Similarly, flares can sometimes cause visibility issues due to their bright light or smoke, but these issues are secondary to the fire risks associated with fuels. Ensuring safety at an accident scene requires awareness of the environment and the hazards present, and fire risk from flares is a major concern in preventing further injuries or accidents.