Talking about connected vehicles means talking about road safety.
Road safety is one of the great challenges of the future , and technology plays a fundamental role in achieving the long-awaited goal of zero road fatalities. In particular, increased connectivity is key to this, as the development of the 5G network increases the potential for data transmission on the road.
Connected cars will be a reality in just a few years. Some associations even predict that by 2030, all vehicles less than five years old will be connected. The importance of this lies primarily in the ability to warn drivers about incidents they may encounter while traveling. Vehicles will be able to monitor any situation that arises on the road in real time , allowing them to make decisions that will undoubtedly improve road safety.
To achieve this, Spain has joined various projects such as C-Roads and Data for Road Safety , both focused on the exchange of data and information to make roads safer.
In addition, the DGT 3.0 platform has been developed, one of the most advanced and pioneering initiatives in Europe that is supported by various devices such as the connected V-16 lights that will be mandatory from January 1, 2026, as established by the Royal Decree on Roadside Assistance approved on March 16. This is a platform that "allows different road users to be connected in real time, offering them real-time traffic information at all times, thus allowing for safer and smarter mobility," as explained by Ana Blanco, Deputy Assistant Director of Vehicle Circulation at the DGT.
A benchmark in Europe
Spain ranks as one of the most advanced European countries in this infrastructure, after Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
While other European countries are still waiting for the implementation of 5G technology to develop intelligent transport systems, Spain is already quite advanced and has successfully passed the halfway point of its development and with a year and a half left to complete this project , it is one of the most innovative technological initiatives in Europe .
The fundamental role of connected V-16 lights
One of the devices that will be essential for achieving road connectivity is the second-generation V16 beacons , an evolution of the current V16 Help Flash devices, which will soon be available on the market.
On July 1st, the regulations approving the use of these devices will come into force. They will incorporate a geolocation system that will allow all road users to be informed of incidents, accidents, and breakdowns that occur.
Spain will become a pioneer in implementing connected V16 beacons, taking a further step in the connected car ecosystem that will improve road safety.
