A supplementary 27 motorcycle helmets have been rated by SHARP - the Department for Transport's Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Program - taking the total number of ratings published past the 200 mark.

All these ratings were published on 27th May, 2010 on the new SHARP website which has been overhauled to comprise supplementary information for motorcyclists on how to find the precise helmet for them. The site also includes demonstrations of how the SHARP tests are carried out and how to make sure a helmet fits appropriately.

Click here for FREE online motorbike driving theory test

In addition, new in-store information leaflets are being made available for retailers to give them and their customers more information about the SHARP scheme.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"It is being estimated that 50 deaths could be prevented each year if all riders wore the safest helmets available. That is why I am delighted to be announcing additional SHARP ratings today at the same time as the new and improved SHARP website is launched."

"By making sure that motorcyclists comprise right of entry to the best safety information, promoting supplementary training and safe riding, and reminding drivers to come across for bikers then safety for motorcyclists will improve and will also lead to diminish the add up of tragedies we see on the roads each year."

All helmets must meet least amount of legal safety standards but the SHARP scheme uses a wider range of tests to supply riders with more information on how much security a helmet can provide in a crash. The purpose advice, which includes significant assistance on how to select a good appropriate helmet, will help riders to choose the safest helmet suitable for them.

The SHARP tests - which reward ratings of between one and five stars - show that the safety performance of helmets can fluctuate by as much as 70%. With helmets across a wide price range scoring highly all riders should be able to find a high performing helmet in a size and technique that fits them and at a price they want to pay.

The new website was developed in response to feedback from consumers and the motorcycle industry and SHARP is inviting motorcyclists to persist giving feedback on the new site so that it best meets their desires.

To undertake the inconsistent number of motorcyclists killed and injured on the roads the Department for Transport also runs THINK! Campaigns including the 'Named Riders' TV and radio advert. THINK! At present it has a presence at the British Superbike Championship (BSB) for a seventh successive year.