SHARP has today published safety ratings for the HJC FG ST, Bell Star, Arai RX-7V, MDS M13 and LS2 FF397. This takes the total number of helmets that have been rated by SHARP to 401.

Since the launch of SHARP in 2007, more than 13,000 impact tests have been carried out to generate the 401 safety ratings. Providing this safety information is likely to have contributed to a 38 per cent drop in motorcyclist fatalities since 2007.

Road safety Minister Andrew Jones said:

“We have some of the safest roads in the world but we are determined to do more to improve safety for all road users including motorcyclists.

“SHARP rates hundreds of helmets based on thousands of tests and provides riders with the best safety information available.

“The confidence riders put in the ratings shows how vitally important they are in helping reduce the number of tragedies we see on our roads.”

David Ward, Secretary General of Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), said:

“SHARP helps bikers make choices about helmets that can be literally life and death decisions. Nothing is more important to motorcycle safety than wearing a helmet that gives the best protection in a crash. SHARP makes this possible and has now rated 400 helmets.

“The Department for Transport and its SHARP project team deserve great credit for this pioneering safety initiative that has promoted biker safety in the UK and also attracted attention around the world. It shows how consumer information can be a powerful force for improved safety on our roads.”

John Chatterton-Ross, Director of Public Affairs, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), said:

“With more than 400 listings SHARP gives riders objective safety information with the star rating, FIM recognised SHARP with the FIM Road Safety Award. I used it when buying my current helmet. SHARP does more – the website contains advice on how to get the correct fit too.”

Director of British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) Anna Zee added:

“The BMF recognises the SHARP rating system as a useful tool in helping riders make informed choices.”