The recent amendment to annex XI of the Vehicle Regulations recommends the use of a light device like Help Flash, which meets a series of technical requirements and is included within the V16 signal, danger signalling device, as an optional element. Order PCI/810/2018, of 27 July, amending annexes II, XI and XVIII of the General Vehicle Regulations, approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998, of 23 December. ‘...a vehicle stopped on the road due to a breakdown or accident poses a serious risk to traffic. Rear-end accidents are very common for vehicles that are in these conditions and in many cases this results in the serious injury or death of the occupants of the vehicle…’ ...In order to offer greater protection to the driver and the rest of the occupants of the vehicle stopped on the road due to a breakdown or accident while waiting for the arrival of the roadside assistance service, it is permitted to place a light device on the outside of the vehicle. This must be auto-yellow colour, autonomous, high-visibility and stable on a flat surface. The aim is to admit the use of an easy-to-handle device that solves the problem of the lack of real and effective visibility of the vehicle.’ Nothing has changed regarding the warning triangles. These are still mandatory as equipment for the vehicle, but they do not have to be placed. It is up to the driver to assess whether they can safely leave the vehicle. If not, they must stay inside with the restraint systems fastened. Therefore, the use of Help Flash is ALWAYS recommended, whether or not you consider it safe to walk 50 metres one way and 50 metres back along the road to place the triangle. At Help Flash we advise you do not do this.
