Spain’s new statistics reveal that over 1000 traffic fatalities occur each year.

The Minister of Interior said that drivers in Spain have still time to install the new emergency lights required by law.

Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Thursday that motorists who fail to use the V-16 beacon will not be charged a fine for “a reasonable period of time”. He did not specify for how long.

On January 1, the V-16 beacon was officially introduced to replace traditional emergency triangles. This is part of a government initiative to improve safety on the road after it was revealed that road accident deaths would still reach thousands by 2025.

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The V-16 can be mounted on the car’s roof without the driver having to get out. This reduces the risk for motorists.

As soon as the devices are activated, they automatically send a signal of distress to Spain’s traffic authority DGT.

Grande-Marlaska added that this feature made the V-16 safer than other emergency equipment. The light could be seen up to one kilometer away.

“This is about ensuring safety — and doing so in a reasonable manner,” he said.

“I’m hoping all vehicles have it,” said the minister, noting that 3,000 drivers are currently installing the new beacons in their vehicles each day.

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According to DGT, 1119 people died in road accidents in Spain in 2014. This is a decrease of 35 deaths and 14 crashes from 2024.

Grande-Marlaska said around 25 people have died in recent years after being struck while placing warning triangles on the road – one of the key reasons for the switch.

He noted that other European countries were closely monitoring Spain’s V-16-connected system.

Some countries, such as the UK, already restrict or ban traditional warning triangles due to safety concerns.

As part of “zero-tolerance” policy, plans are being made to lower the legal drinking limit.

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