Children's Web Magazine

 

To invent an object that will become renowned the world over, is quite an achievement but when it involves safety it is even more incredible.
Percy Shaw invented cat's eyes which are placed in the middle of roads to help you see your way. He was born in Halifax West Yorkshire in 1890. His father was a dyers labourer and he had many brothers and sisters. He had been into inventing from an early age. But it was one night when it was dark and foggy that he would discover an important invention. Due to the extreme conditions he nearly had an accident but for a cat (as to whether it was a lucky black cat crossing his path I really can't say.) the light from the cat's eyes prevented an accident. He realised that if he could create something similar to place in the road it would make driving safer.
The device had to work in all weather conditions and be able to be subjected to a battering from cars, bikes and heavy vehicles going over them. The small square pads that you see today are what he came up with.
He patented his invention and set up a company to produce them. As they reflect back from car headlights they were vital during the Second World War when there was a blackout.
In 1947 James Callaghan (who became Prime Minster in the 1970's) then a junior transport Minster saw the huge potential in this invention and took it on.
Percy Shaw died in 1976 at the age of 86.

© Children's Web Magazine 2006