The days of the traditional emergency signal triangles are numbered. These elements, mandatory since 1999, will be replaced by the V-16 light, an amber flashing device.
This replacement process started on July 1, 2021. Although,
until January 1, 2026, we can use the triangles and the new signal (with or without clearance). That is the set deadline for its replacement. From that moment on, the only thing that is allowed to signal incidents is the light signal with geolocation.
According to the DGT, to indicate that
we got stopped on the way, we place the light device in the highest possible part of the vehicle. This way we guarantee maximum visibility. To place it, we do not have to get out of the vehicle or walk on the road to avoid traffic, as was the case with the triangles until now.
The device contains
a geolocation system which, once activated, sends the location of the stationary vehicle to the DGT 3.0 cloud every 100 seconds, so that this information reaches other drivers.
The modification of
the V-16 sign (official name, according to the General Vehicle Regulations) It is included in the Royal Decree that regulates assistance on public roads. The warning triangles have been removed due to the high number of fatalities that occurred when drivers got out of their vehicles to park or retrieve them after a road accident (see box).
Under the new regulations, “as a general rule” we will get out of the vehicle if there is a safe place off the road and always to the side opposite the flow of traffic. If we can’t get out safely, we wait for assistance in the vehicle with a seatbelt on.
When this beacon is activated
emits a flash of light which can be seen up to a kilometer away. Some of these devices have a geolocation device that transmits the position every 100 seconds.
To install it, it must be placed on the roof of the car and it is fixed by means of magnets on the base. The light can be carried in the glove compartment and in less than 10 seconds the accident can be signaled on the road.
The DGT can only know the location of the beacon when it is activated, that is, when we place it in the event of a breakdown or accident. The information that is sent is only your position on the map and is therefore always anonymous
the authorities won’t know who matches that location. The position of the incident will make the road safer, as a warning will be displayed on the light panels closest to the incident scene, the navigation systems and the car dashboards (V27 signs) will be warned of the obstacle even under zero conditions visibility.
The experts consulted by this newspaper ensure that the safety of this lighting will be much greater than
visualization of a triangle. As for the duration of the beacon, the companies marketing it must guarantee 18 months of use.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
