Department for Transport
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New SHARP ratings announced ahead of bumper bank holiday

New SHARP ratings announced ahead of bumper bank holiday

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 20 April 2011

More than 20 new motorcycle helmet safety ratings were published today by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning ahead of the extended bank holiday.

Today's ratings take the total number of helmets rated by SHARP - the Safety Helmet Assessment and Ratings Programme - to 247.

Mike Penning said:

"Many of us will be making the most of the extended bank holiday period to take our bikes out and - hopefully - take advantage of some good weather.

"I would urge anyone thinking about buying a new helmet ahead of the weekend to check out the SHARP website before making their decision. A well fitted helmet with a high SHARP rating will provide you with the best possible protection in the event of an accident so it's well worth checking the advice on the site before you buy."

All helmets must meet minimum legal safety standards but the SHARP scheme uses a wider range of tests to provide riders with more information on how much protection a helmet can provide in a crash. The objective advice, which includes important guidance on how to select a good fitting helmet, will help riders to choose the safest helmet suitable for them.

The SHARP tests - which award ratings of between one and five stars - show that the safety performance of helmets can vary by as much as 70%. With helmets across a wide price range scoring highly all riders should be able to find a high performing helmet in a size and style that fits them and at a price they want to pay.

The SHARP website was re-developed in response to feedback from motorcyclists and the motorcycle industry and has increased in popularity since it was re-launched last summer. The SHARP website can be found at: www.direct.gov.uk/sharp.

Notes to Editors

1. The new SHARP ratings published today are:To view the table that accompanies this release, please follow the link below; https://nds.coi.gov.uk/imagelibrary/DownloadMedia.ashx?MediaDetailsID=36522. Motorcyclists represent approximately 1% of UK traffic yet account for 21% of our casualty base; 472 motorcyclists died on UK roads in 2009. Accident studies show that approximately 80% of motorcyclists killed and 70% of those with serious injuries sustain head injuries. Press Enquiries: 020 7944 3066Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.ukwww.twitter.com/transportgovuk | www.youtube.com/transportgovuk | www.flickr.com/transportgovuk

Contacts:

DfT Press Office - Roads
Phone: DfT Press Office 020 7944 3066
nds.dft@coi.gsi.gov.uk

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