Wednesday, November 30

Don't Ride in Lightning Storms

Jeep after Getting Struck by Lightning While Parked in a Parking Lot in Dallas, Texas
The photo shows why it isn't good to be out and about during a lightning storm. It's not really a good idea, even if you are in a car, especially if the car doesn't have a metal roof. The Jeep not only got damaged a lot, but the vehicles on both sides got burned as well. Luckily, I don't have any photos of cyclists who were struck by lightning while riding during a storm.

If you aren't sure where the lightning might be, there's an app for that. Personally, I favor "Boltmeter," as discussed here.

3 comments:

John Romeo Alpha said...

Well that firmly busts the myth that tires are sufficient insulators to mitigate lightning strikes.

Steve A said...

I think the protection comes from the metal cage of the car forming a "Faraday Cage" around the occupants. Obviously, that doesn't seem to work too well in the case of convertibles - or bikes. Jeep tires don't really keep the high voltage from getting to ground any better than would bike tires. It makes sense when you think about it; airplanes often get struck by lightning, even with several thousands of feet between them and the ground.

GreenComotion said...

Not a good idea, apparently!
Thanks for the PSA, Steve.
Have a Happy Weekend!!
Peace :)

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