Spain: Driver killed on A-70 after V16 beacon failed

Driver killed on A-70: V16 beacon unseen at 10 meters

A 28-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle on the A-70 in Villafranqueza, Alicante (Spain). The victim had exited his car trinc a rear-end collision to check for damage when a third vehicle hit him. Local media images show the damaged cars on the shoulder, but no V16 emergency beacon is visible. Witnesses claim the device was not seen even from 10 meters away, despite daylight conditions.

The controversial V16 beacon

Debate over the V16 light signal, mandatory since 2021, resurfaces with each accident. Designed to mark a stopped vehicle without requiring drivers to exit—placed on the roof or inside the windshield—many users report poor visibility. "It’s less visible than the car’s own hazard lights," regular drivers comment. Others note that traditional warning triangles, which the V16 replaced, offer better visibility and do not rely on batteries or specific orientation.

"There is a window of danger where you are equally exposed with or without the beacon: when exiting the car before placing a triangle," analysts point out. The DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) argues the goal is keeping drivers inside with seatbelts fastened, but instinct often drives people out after severe impacts. "Do you just sit there like an idiot watching cars rush toward you?" one experienced driver joked.

Fatal infrastructure: narrow shoulders

Beyond the device debate, the crash highlights Spanish highway design issues. "Fewer beacons, wider safety shoulders," summarizes a common view. Critics note many right shoulders are under 1.5 meters wide, while left shoulders are nonexistent. Italy provides emergency stopping areas every kilometer; Germany has broad shoulders on both sides. Narrow spaces force drivers to stop in hazardous positions. "Wide shoulders would prevent many deaths and permanent injuries," critics conclude.

To exit or not to exit

DGT guidelines advise staying in the vehicle after accidents, but most drivers exit to assess damage and move away from traffic, especially in severe collisions. The A-70 victim likely acted this way, unaware of approaching vehicles. Reduced visibility due to road gradients may have worsened the situation. "Move the vehicle as far from traffic as possible, make it visible, and leave the danger zone," advises a veteran motorist.

A disturbing fact

The tragedy occurred where the shoulder was narrow and barriers were close. Photos show neither beacon nor triangles. The uncomfortable question remains: what use is a device invisible at ten meters if installing it exposes you to the same risk? Marketed as a solution to avoid exiting, the V16 did not save a young life lost precisely during that action. Road safety narratives once again reveal significant gaps.