Spain Looks to Redefine Vehicle Hazard Warnings
Since 1999, Spain has required warning triangles to be placed at least 50 meters in front of and behind a stopped vehicle. That rule is now under review by the country’s authorities, who are contemplating scrapping the traditional triangles in favor of newer technology. The move comes after years of data and discussion about how to improve roadside safety and reduce collisions caused by broken-down cars on public roads.
Earlier analyses from 2015 and 2016 indicated that the use of warning triangles on public roads correlated with 50 deaths and nearly 900 injuries. While any fatality is tragic, those figures sparked ongoing dialogue about whether alternative warning systems could offer faster, more reliable alerts for approaching traffic and drivers who encounter stationary vehicles.
Advances in Vehicle Warning Technology
In a significant turn, the DGT presented its V-16 geolocation beacon to the European Commission. The V-16 beacon is designed to be highly visible, with a flashing amber signal that can be detected at distances up to 1000 meters, far beyond the previously required 100 meters. The device is intended to mark a vehicle as out of service and parked on the road, enhancing early awareness for drivers and road users alike.
Operationally, the V-16 is activated without requiring the driver to exit the vehicle. The user can simply roll down a window, extend a hand, and magnetize the lamp onto the vehicle roof. Beyond visibility, the beacon is capable of transmitting information about the outage digitally over the mobile network, offering real-time status updates to nearby drivers and fleet operators. This digital capability is a cornerstone of the broader DGT vision for connected road safety infrastructure.
DGT 3.0 and the Roadmap to Connectivity
The launch of the DGT 3.0 platform is planned for January 1, 2026. This platform represents a shift toward a connected, data-driven approach to road safety where devices like the V-16 can communicate through a mobile network. The certification process for the V-16 signal lamps, which connect to the platform via embedded SIM technology, is slated to begin in January 2023. The integration of these devices into the national safety framework aims to streamline how warnings are issued and monitored across Spain.
There is an expectation that network access for these devices will be included in the purchase price for several years. In other words, users should not face ongoing charges for connectivity as part of owning the warning system. This approach lowers the barrier to adoption and keeps the focus on safety outcomes rather than recurring costs.
Potential Policy Shifts on the Horizon
Even as the warning triangle remains required on Spain’s roads today, lawmakers are weighing a broader shift. If the rule is approved as part of the 2026 legislative package, devices like the V-16 could replace the traditional triangle in many situations. The decision hinges on balancing reliability, cost, and practical use by everyday motorists. Notably, the V-16 lamp is positioned as an affordable option, with prices starting as low as 14 euros, which could appeal to a wide range of drivers and fleet operators alike.
A source: auto-motor-und-sport.de
Photo: Depositphotos and DGT
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