The SHARP Helmet Rating System

Protective clothing and helmets are all essentials when looking to stay safe on the road on a motorbike. The number of helmets available on the market is vast and it’s difficult to know which is going to be the one to choose to keep you as safe as possible should you be involved in an accident.

The UK government has a safety scheme called the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) and it tests helmets for crash impact durability and awards it a star rating from 1-5 with a 5 star helmet being the top rated in crash test situations. The scheme was started in 2007 and the SHARP team feel that up to 50 lives each year could have been saved since the scheme started if the rider had been wearing a safer helmet.

The tests carried out by SHARP are rigorous. They carry out a total of 32 impact tests before a rating is awarded with each test having unique properties to ensure every variable is covered. They also look at crash studies from around the world to give them the best information possible about the kinds of accidents which take place and the differing environments they can take place in.

Every model which comes under scrutiny by SHARP is subjected to the tests across the range of helmet sizes and looks at how well protected the brain would be in different impact scenarios. The helmets are purchased from retail outlets so the team know that the ones being bought by the public are the exact same ones that the tests are carried out on.

A database of results has been produced and is constantly updated with the test results of new helmets on the market. The data also includes the cost and details such as the style and features to expect.

Even wearing the best 5 star rated helmet motorbike accidents happen and if you are involved in one, it would be a wise move to talk to a specialist injury lawyer. They can advise if you could have a claim for compensation and take you through the stages required.

The SHARP system is an excellent way to see information which is clear, concise and up to date and anyone who is looking to buy a helmet should always consult it first before taking a trip to the store to make a purchase.