New helmet safety rating scheme could save 50 lives a year

London, 22 November/GNN/ -- pioneering new Government motorcycle helmet safety rating scheme whichcould 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 providein an impact. Helmets will be rated from 1 to 5 stars depending how wellthey perform in our laboratory tests.

All helmets on sale in the UK must offer the wearer a minimum levelof protection, but tests show there are real differences in safetyperformance. SHARP's objective advice, based on rigorous testing, willhelp riders choose a safer helmet by measuring the extent to which a helmetexceeds the minimum standards.

Speaking at the Road Safety Expo 07 in London today, Road Safety MinisterJim Fitzpatrick said:
"Our research indicates that even though all helmets have to reach a minimumlegal standard, safety performance can vary by as much as 30%. The SHARPscheme being officially launched today will allow riders to select a saferhelmet on the basis of a simple star rating system."

This is a vital step forward. Motorcyclists are one of the single mostvulnerable groups on GB roads today. They account for just 1% of all roadtraffic, but for 20% of all those killed or seriously injured. We estimatethat 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 DrivingStandard Agency's Enhanced Rider Scheme. This is aimed at enhancing the roadsafety skills of the motorcycle and scooter riders already on the roads. TheAgency has been working with the motorcycle industry to devise a new trainingpackage for the benefit of all riders with a full motorcycle licence. Thosewho pass the Enhanced Rider Scheme will get a certificate that will put themin line for discounts on their insurance.

The first SHARP results are expected to be available next Spring, withthe majority of helmets on the market tested before the end of 2008. Earlyresults show that good performance is not restricted to premium price helmets.

For more information about the SHARP programme, visit the SHARP website atwww.direct.gov.uk/sharp, or email SHARP@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Notes to Editors

1. Motorcyclists are our most vulnerable road users. Last year 23,326motorcyclists 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 helmetsanywhere in the world.

4. Helmets sold in the UK must meet the minimum standards of UN ECE Regulation22.05 or comply with British Standard 6658:1985. SHARP will assess theextent 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. SeeSHARP 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 towww.transportoffice.gov.uk/rpmt

Press Enquiries: 020 7944 3066Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300

Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Source: Department for Transport