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Some sheriff's deputies in Saratoga will sport a new look beginning this week. The West Valley Substation of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department is changing over to a new style of helmet for its motorcycle deputies.
The new headgear is a European-style helmet—full-faced with a rim around the neck—unlike the more traditional helmets previously in use.
Sgt. Bill Tait said the older-style helmets are not very safe in an accident. In the early 1990s, a deputy at the substation suffered severe facial injuries in a collision. Tait hopes that the new helmets will help deputies avoid those types of injuries.
"The new helmets will guard the chin," he said.
Because the new helmets have a visor, radio communication between deputies will be enhanced. "There is less wind noise," Tait said.
The disadvantages with the new helmets include lesser peripheral vision and a slight reduction in the ability to hear nearby noises.
The new green and olive helmets cost $225 each.
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Photograph by George Sakkestad