Originally Posted by Gojohnnygo.
I got a question? If I'm riding near a tree (over its root base) when it gets struck by lighting. Will I get the shock of my life? Is there enough rubber on the tires to insulate me? I've read reports of several cows being killed at once this way while they were standing next to a tree.
This might be a good question for the "Myth Busters" so we can watch Adam and Jamie get the shock of their life.
You might well get shocked indirectly if you are too close to the object struck directly by lightning. The strength of the current is attenuated by the ground, but it's possible still to be injured or killed in this way. This is the situation in which rubber tires/shoes/ground mattress can help reduce the shock to you, unlike a direct lightning strike against which those things are completely ineffective.
If you're out in the open and can't get in-- if you're camping or something-- and lighting starts you should be close to the tallest object nearby, but not too close. Sit on your butt or squat on your feet, rather than putting your head on the ground.