The Simple Road Reflector saves lives and provides a Great Teaching Template

Percy Shaw was driving his car on an isolated country road in England one wintry night in 1933. It was night less; the fog was thick and Percy Shaw felt the rain and snow pounding against his windshield. It was a narrow lane with no signs, shoulders, curving and winding. Any mistake in judgment would prove very costly.

 

Shaw continued to walk along the road, when suddenly he saw a rise in his road. He was shocked when a small Morris Minor car appeared at the top of the grade. He was directly in front of the approaching car. The road was unmarked and slick, he was in a curve. He had to make a quick decision when a small cat ran across the road. Percy Shaw was able to see the Morris Minor from Percy Shaw's car thanks to the reflection of his iridescent orbs.

Percy Shaw began to reflect on what had happened as he gathered his thoughts after the close call. Why was it so dangerous to drive on roads at that time? He could use the opportunity to help all motorists. He was motivated to make roads safer for all drivers. But how do you improve road safety?

 

The British Government approved and immediately implemented the reflectors' installation on roads throughout the British Isles, and later across the Empire. Percy Shaw's cat's eye road reflectors have helped increase driving safety all over the globe. Queen Elizabeth knighted Shaw and he benefited greatly from his invention. His simple invention provided safety benefits for mankind, which he was proud of.

 

This seemingly simple invention can be used as a lesson for modern inventors and entrepreneurs. Percy Shaw wasn't thinking about inventing a "cat's-eye road reflector" on a stormy night in 1933. He was prompted to think about possibilities by an event. He felt a need. He responded to that need. He was able to answer the need he identified and all motorists saw the value of his ingenuity.

 

Shaw was able to find the solution by looking into the reflection of the cat's eyes. Shaw began to experiment in his garage workshop. He finally created the "cat's-eye road reflectors" after many failed attempts. The ubiquitous, illuminated reflectors that are placed along roadsides and roadbeds today make driving a pleasant experience. They are a safety feature that provides guidance and direction in dark conditions and provide night-time safety. They were considered a safety breakthrough in the 1930s.

Creative entrepreneurs are constantly looking for products and services that offer performance and features not found in existing products. Sometimes the most profitable ideas and concepts are the simplest. Percy Shaw's "cat's-eye road reflector" invention is an excellent example for inventors.

 

Opportunities can come at the most unexpected times. If you want to reap the rewards of being a successful innovator, be open-minded, flexible, and opportunistic. Markets are always open to innovative products.