Safety scheme rates protection of motorcycle helmets in a crash
- Nov 7, 2016
- EmmaArnold
Motorcycle helmets were tested and given a star rating based on how much protection they provide in a crash.
The Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) team conducted over 13,000 high impact tests on more than 400 types of helmets.
All helmets in the UK must meet minimum legal safety standards but the SHARP scheme uses a wider range of tests.
Jeanne Evans, personal injury solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said
This is great as it provides helpful information for helmet-wearers with a scheme for testing efficiency of helmets – to help wearers make an informed choice
The helmets tested were from a wide price range and so all motorcyclists should be able to find a high performing helmet in their size and style at a reasonable price.
The Department for Transport (DfT) estimates this SHARP scheme is likely to have contributed to a 38% drop in motorcyclist fatalities since 2007.
Motorcyclists only account for around 1% of traffic in Britain but account for 21% of deaths or serious injuries on the road.