In the UK, road studs are an integral part of the road safety system. These small, seemingly unobtrusive devices are located along roads, but they play a key role in improving road visibility and guiding drivers. They are often referred to as ‘cat’s eyes’ due to their unique shape and bright reflective properties. Next, we will delve into the historical origins and importance of road studs and how they create a safer travelling environment for drivers and pedestrians on the UK’s roads.
Road studs were first invented in the 1930s by British inventor Percy Shaw. Shaw was driving down the road one dark night when he was struck by the glow of a cat’s eyes reflected in the headlights of a car. This inspired him to create a device that would reflect the light from the car’s headlights so that the driver could see the road ahead more clearly. Thus, the ‘Cat’s Eye’ invention was born.
Early road studs were made of glass and filled with reflective material. They were installed in straight lines on the road to guide drivers and help them stay on the right path. Over time, road spikes have evolved. Today, road spikes are mostly made of plastic and are equipped with brighter and more durable reflective materials. In terms of design, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. For example, amber, red and green road studs are often used to indicate road edges or changes in direction, providing drivers with richer and more accurate information about the road.
Road studs play a vital role in improving road safety, of which improving visibility is one of its core roles. In adverse weather conditions, such as foggy or torrential rain, the visibility of the road will be greatly reduced, bringing great risk to driving. The bright reflective material in road studs effectively reflects the light from headlights, making it easier for drivers to see the road ahead, even in adverse conditions. On motorways and dual carriageway roads, vehicles travel at high speeds, a clear view of the road is particularly important, and the reflective effect of road studs can help drivers to prepare in advance to protect driving safety.
The role of road studs in guiding drivers cannot be underestimated, especially at night. In the dark, the driver’s field of vision is limited, the reflective effect of road studs can become a reliable guide sign. They act as bright little guards, neatly arranged on the road, allowing drivers to easily identify the correct direction of the road and stay in the right lane. This is important for avoiding vehicle deviation from the lane and reducing the risk of collision with oncoming vehicles.
In addition to improving visibility and guiding drivers, road studs are effective in reducing traffic accidents. Studies have shown that the accident rate on roads with road studs is significantly lower than on roads without them. This is because the driver with the help of road studs can more clearly see the road conditions, so as to better control the vehicle, to maintain the correct driving trajectory, effectively reducing the accident probability due to unclear vision, lane deviation and other reasons.
With the continuous progress of science and technology, solar road studs are gradually emerging as a new favourite in the field of road safety. Unlike traditional road studs, solar road studs are equipped with solar panels and LED lights. During the day, the solar panel absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity for storage; at night or when there is little light, the stored electricity drives the LED lights, which actively illuminate the road instead of relying on reflecting the light from car headlights.
On foggy mornings, the active light emitting properties of the solar road studs make them stand out in low visibility conditions, providing drivers with a clearer view of the road. In remote rural roads without street lights, solar road studs can also continue to shine, lighting the way for vehicles travelling at night. Moreover, the use of solar road studs reduces the dependence on traditional energy, more environmentally friendly and energy saving, in line with the concept of sustainable development.
Road studs, from the initial simple glass reflective device, to today’s diversified, high-performance traffic safety facilities, always quietly contribute to road safety. They enhance road visibility, guide drivers to drive safely, reduce the incidence of traffic accidents, and occupy an irreplaceable position in the UK’s road safety system.
As a new member of the road stud family, solar-powered road studs, with their unique advantages, are bringing more possibilities for road safety. We call on road builders and managers to adopt more solar road studs to further improve road safety. At the same time, we also remind every driver, when driving on the road, pay attention to these small road studs, they are an important partner to protect your safe travelling, always guiding your direction, guarding your journey.
