At Help Flash , we recommend the approved v16 beacon with geolocation as a pre-hazard warning device in the event of a road incident. Furthermore, it will be mandatory and the only one accepted by the General Traffic Department (DGT) starting in January 2016.
That said, as the V16 beacon is not yet mandatory , the warning triangle remains the traditional method of signaling. Due to a lack of awareness of upcoming regulations, many drivers still use the triangle in emergency situations , despite the danger it poses, as it requires us to get out of the vehicle to make it visible to other road users.
The origin and evolution of danger pre-signaling devices
Over the years, signaling devices have evolved to adapt to the demands of safety and technology , but it's true that none have been as popular among users as the current triangle.
As a historical overview, the warning triangle was introduced as a basic visual method intended to alert other drivers to the presence of a stationary vehicle. Since its creation, this device has been considered a safety standard in many regions of the world, not just in Spain.
Made of plastic and with bright colors , its functionality has always lain in its ability to be visible from a considerable distance.
However, although effective at the time, the use of the triangle presents inherent risks . Naturally, drivers must get out of their vehicles to place it, exposing themselves to dangers arising from road traffic. This aspect has become especially critical on high-speed roads, where quick reaction time is vital. But it also costs lives every year when people are run over at the very moment of stepping out to place it on the road.
They are not mandatory since 2023
As of July 1, 2023 , triangles (two were mandatory, one for signaling the front of the vehicle and the other for the rear) are no longer mandatory for drivers as a pre-hazard warning device. The regulations stipulated that, in emergencies on highways or motorways , they should be used; that is, drivers should get out of the vehicle with their vest on and place them down to alert other drivers of the incident. However, due to their danger, the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) decided to waive their mandatory use. The reason for this was the high number of accidents that occurred.
Current road safety needs
With increasing traffic and road complexity, there is a pressing need for devices that are not only visible but also usable without endangering the driver's life . Thanks to technological developments, we now have alternative hazard warning devices that meet higher safety standards. For example, the Help Flash v16 beacon . With this new tool, we are able to warn of the presence of our vehicle without having to leave the vehicle, which drastically reduces the risk of accidents.
In this way, new technologies in hazard warning not only respond to the need to provide warning, but also contribute to the protection of all road users . This paves the way for a future where road safety is prioritized through innovation and constant adaptation.
The danger pre-signalling device v16
The present and the future depend on the approved beacon with v16 geolocation, the only danger and emergency pre-signaling device that will be valid in Spain starting in January 2016 .
It's a breakthrough in every sense. A necessary advance that will save lives and, to a certain extent, transform the concept of road safety. Its design and geolocation and connectivity features already allow for better communication with the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic), other drivers, and our insurance company and emergency services.
Design and functionality
The v16 emergency light is designed to be a lighting element that stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness . Our Help Flash IoT model , with the latest LED technology, guarantees optimal visibility so vehicles are visible in all directions and up to 1 km away in low-light conditions.
Perhaps the most notable feature in terms of safety: It can be activated without leaving the car . Simply by the driver activating the hazard warning device from inside the car, placing it on the roof through the car window and activating it with the push of a button , the risk of accidents that could occur when exiting into traffic will be drastically reduced.
Advantages over traditional triangles
The v16 beacon offers multiple advantages over conventional warning triangles, in addition to the aforementioned advantage of providing much greater safety.
Visibility is increased , as the flashing yellow light on the geolocation device is significantly more visible than a plastic triangle, effectively capturing the attention of other drivers.
Connectivity is also a major advance. Through the free Incidence App , we'll be accompanied on all our insurance and emergency services trips. If we link it to our Help Flash v16 beacon, we'll be able to report incidents quickly, easily, and intuitively.
Regulation and standards on pre-signaling devices
The regulations governing these devices in Spain are based on guidelines from the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). Currently, the use of warning triangles and non-connected V16 devices is permitted. It is important that these devices meet certain approval criteria to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
The triangles must be brightly colored and have reflective elements that maximize their visibility. Furthermore, the V16s must meet technical specifications that ensure they function properly in adverse situations.
Regulatory changes starting in 2026
As we have announced on several occasions, a new regulation will come into force starting January 1, 2026, making the use of connected v16 hazard pre-signaling devices mandatory. This change is due to the need to increase road safety and reduce the risks associated with using a traditional warning triangle.
Implications of the MOV guideline
The Road Sign Modernization ( MOV) directive is part of a broader government effort to improve road safety. This initiative seeks to update pre-signaling devices and promote a safer and more efficient road environment. Implementing this regulation has several implications:
- Increased visibility and safety in emergency situations.
- A faster response from support services by being able to act based on the location sent by the device.
- The requirement that all vehicles comply with these new standards will increase awareness of the importance of road safety.
This regulatory change aligns with broader goals of continuous improvement in traffic infrastructure, ensuring that technology is used effectively to save lives and facilitate mobility on our roads.
Correct use and maintenance of the V16 device
Activating a v16 hazard warning device is very simple, as we've already mentioned. Since the goal is to prevent drivers from abandoning their vehicles and minimize their exposure to a potential collision, simply place the warning device on the vehicle's roof, preferably on the metal area closest to the center, to maximize visibility.
Then, as easy as pressing the power button, the v16 beacon will begin to emit a flashing yellow light , alerting other drivers of the emergency situation.
Additional security measures
The use of the V16 does not imply not following a series of safety measures that complement its effectiveness, such as the use of a high-visibility reflective vest , the safe positioning of the vehicle while waiting for assistance after having notified the insurance company and the emergency services, if necessary.
Device maintenance
To ensure that our v16 pre-warning device works properly when required, here are some simple tips to avoid any mishaps:
- Periodic Inspection: Check that the device has no visible damage and that the flashing light is working properly.
- Battery charging: Check that the battery is charged, especially if the model requires a power supply to operate (not in the case of our Help Flash beacon).
- Cleaning: Keep the beacon clean and free of dust or debris that could affect its visibility and operation.
Connectivity and technology in the v16 danger pre-signaling device
V16 devices have been designed to integrate with cutting-edge technologies to optimize their road safety functions.
Specifically, the Help Flash v16 beacon has a Vodafone internet connection that doesn't cost the buyer a cent extra. The data plan added to the device once purchased is active until January 2038 .
Geolocation : A geolocation system is integrated into the device. Once activated, it sends the location of the stopped vehicle to the DGT 3.0 cloud, so it can be shared with other drivers. The data is always anonymous.
Communication with insurance companies and emergency services , thanks to the free mobile app, Incidence APP. We install it, link it to our v16 emergency pre-signaling device, and we can report any incidents that occur with the vehicle, thus contacting our insurance company or emergency services almost instantly.
Conclusions
The implementation of modern devices, such as the V16 beacon , has led to a considerable reduction in road risks . This hazard warning device is the natural replacement for the triangles that all or almost all drivers now use. The V16 emergency light, when activated from inside the vehicle, already prevents drivers from having to exit the road and expose themselves to the possibility of accidents.
In its short time on the market, it has already been proven to improve road visibility , thanks to its flashing yellow light, which is much more visible than a traditional warning triangle. But, above all, it has been proven to be a much safer element for drivers (it reduces the amount of time drivers spend on the road, as they don't have to leave their vehicle at any time).
Help Flash is a leading manufacturer of v16 beacons and other road safety measures.
