Jump to content

Does running make it more likely to be hit by lightning?


MirceaKitsune

Recommended Posts

When I was young, my parents told me never to run when there's a thunderstorm, because running increases one's chances of being struck by lightning. I know that standing out in the open makes you an easy target for lightning... but what about running? Did me or my parents misunderstand physics back then, or get this out of some superstition? Or does changing your velocity, or having a velocity in relationship to the clouds, make you more likely to be hit by lightning than standing still?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think a person on the ground would have much influence on where lightning struck. The event would have to already be close enough to you for the shorter air gap between you and the ground to be attractive.

 

Running would seem to have equal chances of moving you away and towards a lightning event. It's possible running could reduce your height by a bit, but lightning is only attracted to the tallest object if it provides an easier path. A 2 meter tall person would have to be within 2 meters of the stroke to affect it. If there was a 10 meter tall tree, but it was 15 meters away from the person, the stroke may still prefer the person.

 

As I understand it, the lightning stroke starts high up, but the actual place struck is determined only as the stroke gets closer to the ground. The stroke isn't "targeting" anything before it's discharged.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Or it could be that if you're running, then you are upright and in somewhat open area, two things that increase your risk. The statement may be correct, but not because of the mechanism that is implied.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My understanding is that lying flat on the ground is a bad idea, as a close strike on the ground will more easily be conducted through the wet earth into your body. Better to squat (and sob quietly).

 

Someone once told me, if you don't have a car nearby, it's best to find a ditch and lie flat in it so you're the lowest point in the area. My response to him was similar to yours. If you're worried about lightning, it's most likely raining, filling up ditches with water, increasing the likelihood your sobbing will stop shockingly quickly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, this explains it. The idea was probably superstition, or based on the thought that if you're running you're likely traveling through an open area.

 

I'd have otherwise assumed that laying flat on the ground decreases chances of being hit by lightning, because you're not as tall and therefore deferred. But yeah, you're also making more contact with the ground then. Good to know this as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The only thing you can really do in a thunderstorm is take shelter. Lying down or squatting really isn't going to do much of anything. If the lightning is coming down close enough that the difference in your height between standing up and lying flat matters, you're probably going to get zapped through the ground anyway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.