In Spain, vehicles are now required to carry and use V-16 beacons in the event of an accident or breakdown. These road safety devices help signal the location of a stationary or accident-affected vehicle, alerting other drivers and improving safety on the roads.
Alongside their main safety function, a new digital tool allows users to see V-16 beacons activated in real time across Spain. The interactive map draws on official public data, though it is not part of the Directorate-General for Traffic’s (DGT) official systems nor linked to any specific manufacturers.
The privately developed initiative gives drivers a way to stay informed about ongoing incidents on public roads, accessible from any internet-connected device. Simply visiting the website provides an interactive map of Spain, including the Canary and Balearic Islands, showing which V-16 beacons are currently active.
The map shows not only beacons that are live in real time, but also those that were recently activated, helping users understand both current incidents and events from the past few hours. Users can zoom in on specific areas and navigate the map to find events of interest. A clearly visible button allows the map to be refreshed manually at any time to check the latest updates.
Clicking on an icon for an active or recent beacon opens an information window detailing the activation time, the road involved, the direction of traffic, and the province and municipality. This information is vital for understanding the exact circumstances of an incident and planning a journey. The window also includes options to open the location in mapping apps like Google Maps or to share the event with family or colleagues, making it easier to communicate and warn others.
Why check active beacons in real time?
Accessing this tool brings several short- and medium-term benefits. Drivers can anticipate situations that might slow them down, helping to avoid risky conditions or route planning errors. The map is particularly useful for transport professionals, emergency services, and regular users of roads prone to breakdowns or accidents. Increased transparency also boosts collective safety and encourages awareness of the importance of adhering to road safety rules.
While the map is an innovative and useful tool, it is important to remember that it does not replace official DGT alerts or other recognised incident reporting methods. It is also not tied to any particular V-16 beacon brand, so it shows data from all activated devices that are publicly accessible. Another limitation is that it relies entirely on beacons being activated by drivers, meaning some traditional incidents without electronic signalling will not appear on the map.