Jupiter man survives lightning strike (Florida)

WPTV ^ | 8/19/09 | Jennifer Rivera

[Right Wing Assault]

JUPITER, FL--Gerald Geissler sits in his bed at Jupiter Medical Center in disbelief after getting struck by lightning Wednesday morning.

Gerald was cleaning out his garage to get ready for his morning route cleaning pools. He was actually rolling out a truck tire when he was struck.

[snip]

Gerald says the tire he was rolling out of his garage actually saved his life because he was grounded by the rubber.

Gerald will remain at Jupiter Medical Center for at least a couple more days for observation.

[Right Wing Assault]

Grounded by the rubber? I think they need to keep him until he can make sense. Or send him back to science class.

[ozark hilljilly]

Yumpin’ Yupiter, that hadta smart!!
; )

[DuncanWaring]

I was just thinking his understanding of the concepts of “electricity” and “grounding” are quite weak.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Neurologic manifestations of lightning strikes

[MrB]

Butt... did he get struck in Uranus?

[Thermalseeker]

I was just thinking his understanding of the concepts of “electricity” and “grounding” are quite weak.

Ohm's Law is not a suggestion......

[IrishPennant]

I guess Gerald found out what happens when you sign up to Free Republic and post a vanity the first day!!!

He should consider himself lucky for not getting the ultimate Zot.

[mikrofon]

The Jovians live with lightning all the time, what’s the big deal?

[poindexter]

Grounded by the rubber?

Yep. Tires contain lots of carbon black, making them somewhat conductive.

[lucias_clay]

Go easy on him. Not sure I’d be particularly coherent or logical after getting a lightning zap myself.

[Right Wing Assault]

Yep. Tires contain lots of carbon black, making them somewhat conductive.

I doubt tire rubber is a better conductor than the electrolytes in the guy's body. He is the path of least resistance, not the tire.