DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (163) issued by The Government News Network
on 22 November 2007
A pioneering new
Government motorcycle helmet safety rating scheme which could save
the lives of 50 riders a year was officially launched today by
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.
In a world first, SHARP - the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating
Programme - will give an independent rating of how much protection
a helmet can provide in an impact. Helmets will be rated from 1 to
5 stars depending how well they perform in our laboratory tests.
All helmets on sale in the UK must offer the wearer a minimum
level of protection, but tests show there are real differences in
safety performance. SHARP's objective advice, based on
rigorous testing, will help riders choose a safer helmet by
measuring the extent to which a helmet exceeds the minimum standards.
Speaking at the Road Safety Expo 07 in London today, Road Safety
Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said:
"Our research indicates that even though all helmets have to
reach a minimum legal standard, safety performance can vary by as
much as 30%. The SHARP scheme being officially launched today will
allow riders to select a safer helmet on the basis of a simple
star rating system.
"This is a vital step forward. Motorcyclists are one of the
single most vulnerable groups on GB roads today. They account for
just 1% of all road traffic, but for 20% of all those killed or
seriously injured. We estimate that if all riders wore helmets
that scored well in our rating system, the SHARP scheme could save
up to 50 lives a year."
During his speech, Jim Fitzpatrick also announced the launch of
the Driving Standard Agency's Enhanced Rider Scheme. This is
aimed at enhancing the road safety skills of the motorcycle and
scooter riders already on the roads. The Agency has been working
with the motorcycle industry to devise a new training package for
the benefit of all riders with a full motorcycle licence. Those
who pass the Enhanced Rider Scheme will get a certificate that
will put them in line for discounts on their insurance.
The first SHARP results are expected to be available next Spring,
with the majority of helmets on the market tested before the end
of 2008. Early results show that good performance is not
restricted to premium price helmets.
For more information about the SHARP programme, visit the SHARP
website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/sharp,
or email SHARP@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Motorcyclists are our most vulnerable road users. Last year
23,326 motorcyclists were injured in accidents, with 599 being killed.
2. Head injuries occur in 80% of all motorcyclist fatalities and
in 70% of these the head injury is the most serious.
3. Currently no comparative rating system is available on
motorcycle helmets anywhere in the world.
4. Helmets sold in the UK must meet the minimum standards of UN
ECE Regulation 22.05 or comply with British Standard 6658:1985.
SHARP will assess the extent to which helmets offer protection
above these minimum requirements.
5. Initially, SHARP will concentrate on assessing full-face
helmets. Ultimately, all helmets will be rated by SHARP.
6. SHARP will be promoted in partnership with the THINK! road
safety campaign, which already gives advice to motorcyclists via
the THINK! Academy. See SHARP and THINK! at the NEC, Hall 2 2E50
from today until 2 December.
7. For more information about the DSA's Enhanced Rider
Scheme log on to http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/rpmt
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk