Percy Shaw, English businessman, invented the cat's eye (d. 1976)

Percy Shaw, an inventive English businessman born on 15 April 1890, left an indelible mark on road safety with his ingenious creation. His career often saw him working with roads, which undoubtedly gave him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by drivers, especially during the darker, more treacherous hours. It was this practical experience and keen observation that led him to conceive of a simple yet revolutionary device that would ultimately save countless lives.

The Inspiration Behind the "Cat's Eye"

Before Shaw's innovation, navigating roads in Britain, particularly at night or in dense fog, was a perilous undertaking. Headlights were not as powerful as they are today, and many rural roads lacked any form of street lighting. Drivers often relied on the faint reflections from tram tracks, kerbs, or even the eyes of animals, which could surprisingly guide them in the gloom. The popular, though perhaps apocryphal, story suggests Shaw was driving home one foggy night when he noticed his headlights reflecting off a cat's eyes at the roadside, an observation that sparked the idea for a permanent reflective marker. While the precise moment of inspiration remains a subject of engaging folklore, the undeniable need for better road guidance was abundantly clear.

Inventing the Reflective Road Stud

Shaw's solution was both elegant and robust: the reflective road stud, which he famously dubbed the "cat's eye." He secured a patent for his invention in 1934, officially documented as UK Patent No. 436,290. The design was remarkably clever, featuring two pairs of glass spheres embedded within a protective rubber housing. This housing, in turn, was set into the road surface. A crucial and ingenious aspect of the design was its self-cleaning mechanism: when a vehicle drove over the stud, the rubber housing would be depressed, causing the glass 'eyes' to dip into a water-filled sump below, washing away any accumulated dirt. This ensured their reflectivity remained unimpaired, even in the grimiest conditions.

From Patent to Pavement: Establishing a Legacy

With his patent secured, Percy Shaw wasted no time in bringing his invention to the world. In 1935, he established his company, Reflecting Roadstuds Ltd., based in his hometown of Boothtown, Halifax, West Yorkshire. The initial reception for the cat's eye was not universally enthusiastic, but its undeniable effectiveness, particularly during the blackout conditions of World War II and the subsequent drive for improved road infrastructure, led to its widespread adoption across the United Kingdom and eventually, across the globe. Shaw continued to lead his company, overseeing the manufacture and evolution of his groundbreaking device until his passing on 1 September 1976, leaving behind a legacy of enhanced road safety that continues to impact millions of drivers daily.

Frequently Asked Questions about Percy Shaw and the Cat's Eye

Who was Percy Shaw?

Percy Shaw (1890–1976) was an English inventor and businessman, best known for patenting the reflective road stud, or "cat's eye," in 1934.

What is a "cat's eye"?

A "cat's eye" is a type of reflective road stud designed to guide drivers, especially in dark or foggy conditions. It typically consists of glass reflectors embedded in a rubber housing within the road surface.

When was the cat's eye invented?

Percy Shaw patented his reflective road stud invention in 1934.

Why is it called a "cat's eye"?

The name "cat's eye" is inspired by the way a cat's eyes reflect light in the dark, providing visibility. A popular story attributes the inspiration to Shaw observing his headlights reflecting off a cat's eyes on a foggy night, though the precise origin is part of its charm.

How does a cat's eye work?

The device uses glass spheres that reflect vehicle headlights back towards the driver. A key feature of Shaw's original design is a self-cleaning mechanism: when a car drives over the rubber housing, it depresses, causing the glass reflectors to dip into a water reservoir, cleaning them of dirt and debris.

Where are cat's eyes primarily used?

While originating in the United Kingdom, cat's eyes gained widespread use there and subsequently became a common road safety feature in many countries around the world, particularly in areas prone to fog or with unlit roads.