thuderstorms, are you safe?

inaperfectworld
inaperfectworld Posts: 219
edited September 2008 in Workshop
i was recently in alps pressing on through rain and then thunderstorms; a car is supposed to be the safest place in lightening i think it's the rubber tyres making an insulation barrier between car body and the earth. i wondered if a bike was similarly safe; i did wonder particularly as the bike tyre sidewall is not very tall as opposed to the car's. could not a large voltage difference jump across this lesser depth of insulation hence leading to discharge to the earth, and probable death

Comments

  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,719
    It's nothing to do with the rubber with a car, in fact they are a hindrance. The way a car protects you is that the current enters the metal, is conducted to the bottom of the car and then jumps to earth, missing out the occupants as there's an easier route through the metal. On a bike you have no chance, since it will enter through your head and go through your body.
  • Bugly
    Bugly Posts: 520
    yep a cars a near perfect faraday cage a bikes got no chance
  • dombo6
    dombo6 Posts: 582
    Bugly wrote:
    yep a cars a near perfect faraday cage a bikes got no chance

    Yep, you're lucky to still be here!
  • inaperfectworld
    inaperfectworld Posts: 219
    crikey then, abandon the day not worth the risk.
  • MIsterGoof
    MIsterGoof Posts: 128
    I posted a similar question a few weeks ago, the main solutions were

    wear a gimp outfit or build a Faraday cage around the bike.

    If in doubt find a cake shop

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