A described embodiment of the invention is known as a brake strobe system (BSS) providing a state of the art visual warning system designed to prevent accidents and multi-car pileups. When a driver quickly and forcefully applies his brakes, a strobe light (which is built into the third brake light or all brake lights) is activated. The harder a driver brakes, the faster and brighter the strobe blinks, thereby warning other drivers of potential hazards. The BSS also has the ability to brighten or dim the strobe to compensate for weather and day or night driving conditions. It also has the ability to change modes or presets according to the speed of the vehicle. In the event that a car's airbag deploys, the brake strobe system will automatically activate to warn other drivers and alert emergency response personnel. Also included is a manual on/off feature to augment the car's hazard lights (which vary in speed and intensity according to the vehicle's speed) and provide better visibility and safety for roadside stops or other emergencies. Since the strobe is activated when the hazards are on or the airbag is deployed, it will also trigger the optional audible alert system.