NCAP-style star system coming soon
UK to introduce helmet ratingsUK Minister for Transport Stephen Ladyman has announced he will soon introduce a safety rating system for motorcycle helmets, similar in concept to the one currently in use for cars.
"The intention is to bring the NCAP safety rating system for helmets, probably working on a star system. At the NEC Show in the autumn we will make an official announcement. In Spring 2008, the first list with the exact safety standard rating of every helmet will be published," he told UK MCN.
"We will be scoring helmets purely on how safe they are. As MCN's articles have proven, the best helmets aren't always the most expensive." The Minister went on to say he believed the system could save the lives of 50 people a year, if they wore safer helmets because they had access to the information.
This move has the potential to shake up the industry, which until now has relied on manufacturers claims, beyond surviving basic strength tests that allow a helmet to be sold.
The UK Department for Transport has undertaken a five-year study of motorcycle helmet design and safety, the results of which have been put on the DfT website (pictured) at this link.
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