DGT 3.0 Context
This Spanish project, a pioneer in Europe, aims to ensure road users are alerted in real time to all events they may encounter along the way: broken-down cars, incidents between vehicles, road rehabilitation works, sporting events, and so on. The idea is for drivers to have the necessary information in advance to make the best possible decision before reaching a dangerous point, thereby minimizing the risk of an accident. In a previous article , we introduced our Help Flash IoT and talked about the new V16 signals connected to the DGT 3.0, which are designed to send real-time alerts about vehicles that have been involved in an accident or breakdown. Remember that the information emitted by the V16 beacon is sent to the DGT cloud so that it, in turn, communicates the warning through variable information panels on the roads and through navigators, such as Google Maps or Waze. This way, other drivers will instantly know the exact location of the hazard. This time, the platform is the centerpiece because it will not only receive and redistribute data from emergency signals, but also from the new connected cones, whose purpose is to geolocate roadworks in real time and thus improve the safety of operators and drivers. According to figures provided by the DGT itself, 158 traffic accidents related to road maintenance and repairs occurred in 2021. Given these figures, it's no surprise that connected cones have become a necessary reality today.
Connected cones, what are they?
Like traditional traffic cones, these gadgets are orange, triangular devices with a base, usually made of rubber, for stability. Like modern traffic cones, they are equipped with reflective strips for high visibility. However, unlike current analog cones, connected cones have two distinguishing features:- Signal light. At its highest point, the cone has a beacon that emits a yellow flashing light. This signal makes the construction site visible from over 1 km away and 360 degrees, warning of danger and thus protecting the safety of road workers.
- Connection. Smart cones also make roadworks visible in advance by transmitting their location coordinates to the DGT's Connected Vehicle Platform 3.0. Drivers will receive advance warnings on their navigation systems and on roadside variable message boards.
How do connected cones work?
It's very simple. When workers need to perform maintenance or roadwork, they simply place two connected cones to mark the beginning and end of their workspace. These smart devices, in addition to having lighting, send their location to the administration cloud every 5 minutes. They do this thanks to a built-in communications module. These coordinates are used to generate automatic alerts on the variable information panels and, in the near future, to inform our navigators. When we use Waze, for example, it will tell us that "in a few meters we will find workers working on the road," warning us in advance so we can take appropriate measures, such as increasing attention and reducing speed. The technical aspects that define the protocol and format for sending data to the National Access Point can be found in the Resolution of October 21, 2022.When will these connected cones be available?
At Netun Solutions, we developed the first connected cone on the market using Help Flash technology. Following the relevant internal testing, a few months ago we successfully conducted the first pilot tests of the devices with the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic). The commercialization of connected cones is a little closer since last Monday, October 24, when the Traffic Department and the General Directorate of Roads presented the use case of connected cones for construction work at an event. These factors, combined with the urgent need to reduce accidents, will mean that we will be seeing these devices on our roads in the coming months.
Compatible with Incidence
Netun Solutions cones not only send geolocation data to the DGT 3.0 (Directorate-General for Traffic) but are also compatible with the Incidence platform . This provides additional functionality, especially for road maintenance and upkeep companies. Using Incidence provides companies with a comprehensive dashboard, information on the location of their cones, alerts about fallen cones or safety zone invasions, work in progress, work completed, and kilometers of track affected.
