Did you know that the way incidents or breakdowns are reported on the road has changed radically in recent years? What began as a simple passive signal has evolved into connected technology, saving more lives than ever. Discover how the DGT's connected V16 beacon is revolutionizing road safety.
The first steps: from simple warning to emergency triangle
Emergency pre-signaling is essential for warning other drivers and preventing accidents resulting from roadside breakdowns or incidents. Decades ago, drivers relied solely on gestures or improvisations, such as reflective clothing attached to their vehicles, to alert others. These solutions lacked sufficient visibility and often failed to fulfill their purpose.
In the 1980s, with the increase in traffic and increased awareness of road safety, the warning triangle emerged. This standardized reflective sign marked a turning point: it allowed other road users to detect the presence of an unexpected obstacle from a safe distance. Its ease of use and low cost quickly made this device popular, and it soon became mandatory for all types of vehicles.
However, the triangle has important limitations:
- It is necessary to get out of the car to place it, exposing the user to the risk of being run over.
- Your visibility may be compromised in low light or bad weather conditions.
- It does not emit its own light, depending on the surrounding lighting and the headlights of other vehicles.
Bet on innovation: the arrival of portable emergency lighting
Over the years, authorities and technology sectors began to look for safer and more effective alternatives. This gave rise to the idea of the V16 beacon, a portable emergency signal that can be easily placed on the roof of a vehicle without having to leave the vehicle.
The V16 light is visible in 360 degrees and at a great distance, even in adverse conditions, thanks to its powerful LEDs. Its simple, stand-alone operation—a single button activates the flashing—drastically reduces the time the user spends outside the vehicle exposed.
In 2021, Ryme Automotive, a leading Spanish automotive company since 1982, launched our non-connected model. The response was extraordinary: thousands of drivers trusted the reliability and robustness of our emergency light, designed in Spain and manufactured under strict quality controls. Our commitment has always been clear: to provide innovative and safe solutions to drivers.
The jump to the connected V16 beacon DGT
Technology never stops, and regulations evolve to take advantage of its benefits. This is how the DGT's V16 connected beacon emerged, today an undisputed leader in the field of road safety. This new generation of beacons not only emits flashing lights but is also capable of communicating the exact position of the immobilized vehicle in real time to the General Directorate of Traffic.
This represents a crucial step forward:
- It allows emergency services and other drivers to anticipate risks on the road.
- Establishes an automatic and immediate notification channel, available even in places without personal mobile coverage.
- Reduces reaction time to an incident, improving traffic management and emergency response.
In 2025, Ryme Automotive presents its newest model: the Hero Driver LED V16 Connected, designed in Spain. This device meets current and future demands until 2040, thanks to its guaranteed connectivity through the Vodafone network. This ensures it will be with you for years to come, even as network technologies evolve.
Why does the DGT connected V16 beacon make a real difference?
Today's drivers are looking for efficiency, safety, and simplicity. The DGT V16 connected beacon responds to these needs in an exemplary manner.
- No risk of exposure : Simply lift the beacon out the window and place it on the roof of your car. In seconds, you'll be signaling your location without stepping on the road.
- Long-range visibility : Thanks to the latest generation of LED technology, the light signal is visible from over a kilometer away and in any conditions (rain, fog, night).
- Automatic communication : The Hero Driver LED V16 connected model automatically transmits your vehicle's GPS position to the DGT 3.0 cloud, alerting other users and emergency services.
- Full compatibility and durability : Created by Ryme Automotive, with a performance guarantee until 2040, it uses the Vodafone connectivity network, ensuring coverage across virtually the entire Spanish road network.
- Robust design, designed in Spain : The connected Hero Driver V16 meets strict European standards and is designed to withstand any climate or unexpected event.
How the Hero Driver LED V16 works connected
The operation is extremely intuitive, designed for both experienced users and those who have never used a beacon of this type before.
- Immediate activation : When removed from its case and placed on the roof, the beacon detects contact and activates automatically, beginning to emit flashing light and the location signal.
- No complicated maintenance : Operates on a long-lasting battery and has no moving parts or manual setup.
- Complete communication autonomy : No connection to the owner's mobile phone is required. If an incident occurs and your mobile phone has no coverage, the beacon will continue transmitting its position thanks to its integrated SIM card, managed by Vodafone.
- Approved signage : Complies with all specifications and certificates required by the DGT and European bodies.
This simplicity, combined with reliability, contributes to millions of drivers choosing the DGT connected V16 beacon as their preferred method of emergency signaling.
The future of road safety: connectivity, automation, and protection
We are facing a profound transformation in the way we understand road safety. Previously, reporting an incident was a reactive action, limited by available technology. Today, the DGT's connected V16 beacon inaugurates a new era where every vehicle can interact with the national traffic network in real time.
This connectivity allows:
- Reduce the number of run-overs and secondary accidents during a breakdown.
- Improve traffic management and emergency services coordination.
- Deploy new smart features in the future, such as alerts to autonomous vehicles.
Furthermore, the connected Hero Driver LED V16 anticipates this trend by offering compatibility until 2040, ensuring drivers have peace of mind in the face of upcoming regulatory and technological changes.
Ryme Automotive: experience, innovation and commitment
Since 1982, at Ryme Automotive, we've been working to make safety a tangible reality for every driver. We believe in quality and innovation as the driving forces behind our development. The success of our first non-connected V16 headlight in 2021 confirms the trust customers across the country have placed in us.
With the arrival of the connected Hero Driver LED V16, we continue on that path, offering an effective response to new traffic challenges.
What should I consider when choosing a DGT-connected V16 beacon?
If you're thinking about equipping yourself with the latest in emergency signage, these factors will help you make the best decision:
- Official approval : Make sure the beacon meets DGT requirements.
- True, guaranteed connectivity : Our Hero Driver beacon offers coverage until 2040 with Vodafone, a leader in IoT networks.
- Ease of use : Look for a product that you can activate quickly and without complications.
- Local manufacturing and support : Choosing a model designed and assembled in Spain means proximity and better after-sales service.
- Durability and resistance : A product that can withstand shock, water, and extreme conditions ensures a long-term investment.
Orienting your purchase toward a DGT-connected V16 beacon means directly investing in prevention and technological innovation at your service.
Conclusion
The evolution from the triangle to the connected device marks a turning point in road safety. Enjoy the peace of mind of having the connected Hero Driver LED V16 from Ryme Automotive: the beacon that combines tradition and technology to protect you on every journey.
