Remote vehicle hazard and communication beacon

1. A device comprising:

a body comprising a plurality of selectively lighted segments;

a tether connecting the plurality of lighted segments to an electrical system of a vehicle, the plurality of selectively lighted segments illuminating in a strobing manner in response to a strobe signal from the vehicle electrical system;

a microcontroller that receives the strobe signal and controls the illumination of the plurality of selectively lighted segments in the strobing manner; and

a power supply powering the microcontroller and the plurality of selectively lighted segments when the tether becomes disconnected from the electrical system of the vehicle;

wherein the microcontroller automatically illuminates the selectively lighted segments in a strobing manner when the tether becomes disconnected from the electrical system of the vehicle.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the microcontroller receives the strobe signal wirelessly.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of selectively lighted segments form a shape of contrasting nested triangles.

4. The device of claim 3 , further comprising a stand that holds the body upright on a surface.

5. A system comprising:

an interface to a vehicle wiring harness configured to detect that vehicle emergency indicators have been deployed;

a plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol;

a microcontroller controlling operation of the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments;

wherein the microcontroller activates the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments in a strobing manner in response to detection that vehicle emergency indicators have been deployed;

wherein the hazard symbol comprises a warning triangle;

wherein the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol are arranged into nested triangles having contrasting appearance when not illuminated; and

wherein the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol illuminated a contrasting appearance when strobed.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the interface to a vehicle wiring harness comprises a wireless interface providing the detection that vehicle emergency indicators have been deployed.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the interface to a vehicle wiring harness is a wired tether to the vehicle.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the microcontroller can detect disconnection of the tether and activates the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments in a strobing manner in response to detection of disconnection of the tether.

9. The system of claim 8 , further comprising an on-board power supply that can power the microcontroller and the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments.

10. The system of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol are translucent.

11. The system of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol are transparent.

12. A system comprising:

a plurality of light segments each being capable of steady state illumination, flashing illumination, and strobing illumination; and

a microcontroller that illuminates the plurality of light segments in a strobing manner in response to an emergency event indication from a vehicle;

wherein:

the microcontroller can receive the emergency event indication wirelessly and via a tethered connection to the vehicle; and

when the vehicle indicates, the microcontroller strobes the light segments in an alternating pattern to indicate a direction.

13. A system comprising:

an interface to a vehicle wiring harness configured to detect that vehicle emergency indicators have been deployed;

a plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol;

a microcontroller controlling operation of the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments;

wherein the microcontroller activates the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments in a strobing manner in response to detection that vehicle emergency indicators have been deployed;

wherein the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol comprise a plurality of thin LED strips affixed with respect to a panel of automotive glass on the vehicle.