Lightning and Golf Carts
 

I read the article this morning about golf course safety when lightning approaches during the sudden storms we get during the summer. Many times we see a storm approaching (and you dont have to be on a golf course) and we try and make it home before the storm hits. My question is if you get caught in a lightning storm are you safe in a golf cart since you have rubber (tires) on the ground?? I know as the news article stated, you should immediately take cover stay away from trees and all metal but is a Golf Cart grounded like a car?

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

I don't believe you are safe, like in a car. I could be wrong, but I'm not taking any chances!

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

784...

I read that article too and noted the absence of discussion on golf cart safety.

Bob Collins, one of the Villages weather experts, gave a talk to our neighborhood ladies club...he stated that golf carts are NOT safe from lightning. In a regular car, you are supposed to have the windows up and any lightning travels through the metal shell and exits out the rubber tires. A golf cart is not an enclosed metal shell so you are not protected.

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

Exactly right V7 - It is not the rubber that protects you but rather the 'least path of resistance' principle. Lightning that strikes a car want to get to the ground ASAP and the quickest path is through the metal shell. (Scientifically speaking it works differently since lightning is mostly a two way connection from the ground up and from the cloud down but I won't bore you that).

Most golf carts are fiberglass shell and YOU may be the least path of resistance since YOU are mostly water!

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

That article also mentioned that TV golf courses do NOT have an auto system to get golfers off the course. Most courses here in the northeast have a system that automatically detects a lightning strike that is within 3 miles and sounds the siren.

I guess we're on our own in TV!

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

AS villages07 said, this mornings article just raised some questions in my own mind about Golf Cart vs lightning that were not answered in the article. I always thought it was the rubber tires that was the safety valve (ie grounding) when it came to a car and never thought about the "least path " principle. This should have been made a point of coverage in the article.

Im sure for those that understand Physics or electicity, this is an easy concept but I am still having some trouble truly understaning this concept ( and I am not doubting anything that was said here) but if im in a golf cart not touching the ground...(rubber tires are) and lightning is looking for a way to enter the ground, it has to be a better ( NOT THE BEST) alternative than standing under a tree!

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

Actually, this is a quote from Lee Trevino. "If you are on the golf course or in a golf cart and a thunderstorm is approaching, hold a one iron over your head, because not even God can hit a one iron."

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

Now this is another example of just how great TOTV is. Besides learning things about The Villages, we can be educated on all kinds of interesting topics. Don't ya just love it!!!

There sure are some smart folks in TV. When I move in, I'll bring that high IQ average down, though. :read:

Things are looking real good for me and I'll know if I have a buyer tomorrow.

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

I live on Allamanda and it is amazing to me to see the number of golfers who stay on the course while lightening is hitting sky to ground not too far away :dontknow:....Me, I am outta there if there is any lightening. I have no desire to be a crispy critter at this point in life. ;D

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

Also in this morning's paper on page B2 (sports section) under the Good Golf Mulligans section it states "recognize that covered golf cars do not provide appropriate safety protection from lightning".

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

graciegirl
You had to be saving that quote. I once had a "one" iron and let me tell you Trevino was right!

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

tk, wishing you luck!

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

Many thanks, redwitch, for your best wishes. Looks very promising, indeed, and I'll let you know just as soon as I know.

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

I found this great article about lightning "An Underrated Killer" and offered these safety points...a much better article than what was in yesterays SUN.

SAFE BUILDINGS
One that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floors. Take precautions even inside. Lightning canenter a building as a direct strike through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure and through the ground....ie electrical wires, wired telephone, radio/TV and through wires or bars in concrete walls and flooring.
When inside
-- avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipoment or cords,
-- plumbling, do not wash hands, dishes or do laundry or take showers,
-- stay away from windows and doors nd stay offf porches,
-- do not lie on concrete floors or lean aainst concrete walls

UNSAFE BUILDINGS
ONe that is partially open or a small structure ie picnic shelter, dugouts, sheds, carports,

SAFE VEHICELS
A hard topped car, SUV Mini van, bus, tractor etc. Close all windows and doors and do not touch metal surfaces, a GOLF CART does not fit the definition as a safe vehicle

Lighting can strike 10 miles away so when in doubt seek cover.

Re: Lightning and Golf Carts
 

Graciegirl;
Guess Lee didn't follow his own advice, I understand he got hit with a bolt,,,,,

Tony C

:dontknow: