ATV Florida Forum

 Just curious if your out riding.  And a storm happens with lightning and you are miles from shelter or your truck.  What do you consider the best thing to do ?  I know they say avoid the trees. A hard thing to do in the woods. You shouldn't stand out in a low lying area.  And even motorcyclist on the highway have been hit by lightning.  I've been caught out a couple of times but it didn't last long so I kept riding. 
 Any suggestions ?  What do hikers and backpackers do ?

I carry a tarp with me an have had a tree get hit just up the trail from me bfor

If You Are Caught Outside

(If you are unable to reach a safe building or car, knowing what to do can save your life.)

If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN!
If you are swimming, fishing or boating and there are clouds, dark skies and distant rumbles of thunder or flashes of lightning, get to land immediately and seek shelter.
If you are in a boat and cannot get to shore, crouch down in the middle of the boat. Go below if possible.
If you are on land, find a low spot away from trees, metal fences, pipes, tall or long objects.
If you are in the woods, look for an area of shorter trees. Crouch down away from tree trunks.

Source http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/lightning/ (http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/lightning/)

Roland   Had a great time riding with you at Ocala hope to have video soon...

If you start tingling in a grove of pine trees,

1) Quickly pull off to the side;
2) Loosen all restrictive clothing;
3) Place head firmly between legs and kiss your arse goodbye.

I would like to go again soon , but only if it's a day with temps under 90. Maybe when it's raining.   I just finished putting my meb catcher on the ATV.  I used pvc pipe.  I didn't want to make a lightning rod. :D

I get off the wheeler & sit in the foot well with the wheeler between me & any nearby trees!

I worked with a guy that said he was in a field on a tractor and felt the tingling sensation. When he stepped out of the tractor, lightning stuck the tractor and exited his leg.

I have been coming in from offshore fishing and had many bad storms between me and land and had no choice but to run straight thru them. I can deal with rain, wind, and waves but lightening is where I draw the line.  Nothing like being the highest point on the ocean with lightening popping off all around you.  Scary to say the least. 

the best solution for lightning is,break out the bottle of jack n keep riding,u wont fear or feel a thing >:D ;)

Ive hidden under palmettos when the rain and lightning got to bad.