Road flares differ from marine flares in that they aren't waterproof or rated for marine visibility distances.
Thus, under no circumstances can a road flare be used in place of the more specialized marine flare.
Such marine flares should also be kept in a waterproof container and stored a good distance away from sunlight or engine heat.
Brightness also differs significantly between road and marine flares.
Road flares aren't normally used to pinpoint a car's exact location, while marine flares are used precisely for that reason.