DfT revamp helmet testing website

Added on Saturday, May 29th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

The Department for Transport has launched a brand new website to support the recently introduced SHARP testing ratings for motorcycle helmets.

The new site, available at www.direct.gov.uk/sharp provides a database of every helmet tested under the scheme, which awards a five star rating based on a helmet’s safety performance, with the DfT claiming that the system puts helmets through tests that are far more rigorous than the legal minimum British standard.

But the SHARP system has been criticised by some experts who point out that helmet manufacturer’s know which specific tests their helmet is to be exposed to in advance, making it easier for manufacturers to achieve a high score on what could be otherwise poor quality helmets.

The overhaul of the website also coincides with a campaign to raise awareness of the ratings system within retailers and the release of the results for 27 additional helmets.

“We estimate that 50 deaths could be prevented each year if all riders wore the safest helmets available,” said spokesperson Mike Penning. ”That is why I am delighted to be announcing additional SHARP ratings at the same time as the new and improved SHARP website is launched.

“By making sure that motorcyclists have access to the best safety information, promoting further training and safe riding, and reminding drivers to look out for bikers I hope that we can improve safety for motorcyclists and reduce the number of tragedies we see on the roads each year.”

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