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Old 06-28-2008, 07:58 PM   #10
Lil bastard
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Du Monde
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First off, Florida is NOT the lightning capitol... Arizona is... by far !!

Second, you are only less safe in a convertible if the lightning strikes you directly... and you are a poor conductor compared to all the metal in the car including the steel top frame which offers a much more conductive path to ground. And lightning, like all other forms of electricity, will literally take the path of least resistance.

So long as you're not touching any metal directly, your odds of being struck by lightning is only slightly shorter than if you were in an enclosed sedan.

Add to this that the car is lower than many other possible conductors, such as powerlines, sign posts, buildings, trees and such, this lowers the odds even further.

Now... if you were driving in an open, flat, area, and lightning strikes were numerous, it may be prudent to pull over, exit the car and lie on the ground. But frankly, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
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Last edited by Lil bastard; 06-28-2008 at 08:03 PM.
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