Motorbike Insurance

Another 28 motorbike helmets have been rated by the Department for Transport (DfT), taking the total number rated to 125.

The Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) is one of a number of initiatives from the DfT attempting to cut down the disproportionate number of deaths which occur in motorcycle accidents, which could in turn impact on motorbike insurance premiums.

All helmets must meet certain standards but testing has revealed safety performance can vary by up to 70 per cent.

Of the 28 new helmets reviewed, the Shark RSX, Nitro N1700 VF, Marushin Samura and Bell M5X all received the highest possible rating of five stars.

However, four models received the lowest award of only one star.

Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick, who announced the results, said: "If all riders wore the safest helmets available, 50 lives could be saved each year so I am delighted to announce these new SHARP ratings.

He added that by encouraging riders to be safe, roads could be made safer and the number of deaths each year reduced.

Other DfT campaigns include the "Take longer to look for bikes" adverts on television and radio and the THINK! motorcycle academy.

The DfT recently announced a tougher stance would be taken on those without a UK address who break the law on British roads.

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01/02/12 - David Robb leaves BMW post. The man responsible for transforming the BMW Motorrad motorcycle brand has left the company after 18 years.

Past motorbike news