Lightning is also attracted to metal objects such as chain link fences and cars. The inside of an automobile is relatively safe becasue lightning travels over the metal exterior to the ground, but standing next to an automobile is not safe. The summer months of June, July, August, and September have the highest frequency of lightning-related injuries and deaths. Lightning generally occurs between the hours of 900 am and 900 pm. Most people are stuck in the mid-afternoon hours between 300 pm and 400 pm as the typical afternoon thunderstorms reach their peak intensity.
Some days are worse than others.
27 picnickers and firework spectators were injured and one person was killed. Adults are struck more often than children and males are struck more oftern than females. Studies have indicated that more injuries and deaths occur with either the first or last stroke of lightning in a particular thunderstorm. Most people are stuck outside. However, there have been some cases where lightning has traveled through electrical wires and phone lines and struck people indoors.