In addition to being predominantly male, 41 percent of individuals struck by lightning are between ages 15 and 34. Torrential rain, flooded roads, and trails, high winds or hail can make your bike trip miserable. More recently, in the last 10 years (2009-2018), the U.S. has averaged 27 lightning fatalities. I happened to be opening a car door, so was grounded when I was hit. However, you can rest assured that today, most car insurance covers incidents from lightning strikes in premium packages and conditions or policies. You really do not want to stay outside with your motorcycle during a lightning strike. No place is safe outdoors during a thunderstorm. However, electronic equipment may be damaged in the car. Here are a few suggestions for riding out the storm (when theres no lightning, of course): The bottom line while cycling through a storm keep vigilant, keep an eye on the sky, and keep safe when lightning strikes. I was recently struck by lightning. If thunder roars, seek shelter immediately. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Lightning is one of the leading weather-related causes of death and injury in the United States. This compares to an average of 57 deaths per year in the United States. Lightning damage in the U.S.: fatalities and injuries 2021 - Statista Keep your heels touching, keep your head between your knees, and cover your ears. Light travels at 300,000 km/sec whereas sound travels at 0.3 km/sec. Thunder movement taking place during heavy rain and wind has caused many tragic deaths, just as in 2016 in the US, at least 20 people were struck by lightning and unfortunately could not make it alive. You will want to turn off your computer and perhaps disconnect it from its power source in order to protect your computer. The Empire State Buildings lightning rod protects the iconic structure itself, as well as the people inside, from the threat of fire and electrocution. The odds of being struck in your lifetime is one in 3,000. If you are outside and cannot find shelter, you are not safe. You can review and change the way we collect information below. It can also follow metal gutters and downspouts to the ground. At this time, Environment Canada does not have a website for historical lightning. Every time discussing this issue, you are always recommended to find a secured building shelter or stay out of your car before the storm with lightning hits to assure optimal safety. An emeritus is a retired soldier (noun). This discussion has been archived. Before being hit, he suffered from extreme difficulties obtaining an erection, and even when he managed to get one he couldn't sustain it for more than a minute or two.