Extended Abstract (112K)5.4
Lightning-caused deaths and injuries in the vicinity of vehicles
Ronald L. Holle, Holle Meteorology & Photography, Oro Valley, AZ
Lightning safety recommendations identify two reliable safe places. One is a large substantial building that provides protection to people inside who are not in contact with electrical and plumbing paths followed by lightning. The other is inside a fully-enclosed metal-topped vehicle.
Although between 4 and 5% of lightning fatalities and injuries occur in and near vehicles, there has not been an extensive study of such casualties. Recent cases will be summarized from available newspaper, web, and other media reports. In this review of 194 cases, 38 people were killed and 266 were injured by lightning in and near vehicles.
The most common event was when people were inside fully-enclosed metal-topped vehicles at the time of lightning strikes. The only verified deaths were due to a driver startled by a flash who then drove into oncoming traffic. In half of the fully-enclosed metal-topped vehicle cases, people described themselves as uninjured, and most other injuries were minor. Damages occurred to antennas, electrical systems, tires, glass, and engines while people were inside.
A second smaller category included people who were outside and in direct contact with vehicles at the time of the strike. Three additional vehicle categories were casualties on or near non-enclosed vehicles, in parking lots, and during other situations.
It can be concluded that people inside fully-enclosed metal-topped vehicles are safe from lightning, although there may be injuries. Otherwise, anyone outside a vehicle is susceptible to the threat of lightning, whether near or in contact with the vehicle.
Session 5, Lightning Safety
Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM, 222
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