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.
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3 comments:

  1. John Romeo AlphaNovember 30, 2016 at 4:03 PM

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

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  2. Steve ANovember 30, 2016 at 4:19 PM

    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.

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  3. GreenComotionDecember 10, 2016 at 10:56 AM

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

    ReplyDelete

No Need for Non-Robot proof here!