Govt releases new motorcycle helmet safety ratings

Date: 5/4/2012

The government has published 14 new motorcycle helmet safety ratings.

A total of 261 helmets have now been rated by the Department for Transport’s Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (Sharp).

Each piece of safety equipment is given marks out of five and undergoes a range of tests to establish how much protection it will provide in a crash situation.

This will enable riders to choose a helmet they can have every confidence in.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning pointed out that more people could be taking to their bikes over the bank holiday now the weather is getting warmer.

"I would urge anyone thinking about buying a new helmet ahead of the start of the summer season to check out the Sharp website before making their decision," he added.

The government is also bringing in new measures in a bid to improve motorcycle safety and from January 19th 2013, access to powerful bikes will be subject to age, competence and previous experience.

Posted by Sarah Bailey