I think the fuel hose has a braided sleeve for abrasion resistance as well serving as a ground path.
Makes sense, and that's what I'd expect - just never checked the specs yet, so wasn't about to speculate. I'd get funny looks at a gas station if I pulled out my ohm-meter !
Lies, darn lies, and statistics... yeah, I know. If you asked those Snopes 150, I'm sure you'd hear a lot of "I had no idea....." comments, and they probably aren't lying.
No, it is not a common occurrence - vapour density, humidity, and other local conditions have to align for ignition. Personally, not odds I'd like to play with though, given the consequences.
The 150 is probably under-reported somewhat, given the # of accidents that never get reports filed. But, even at that #, how many general product safety recalls get issued because of just a few dozen events - many, if the news reporting can be believed.
As I said earlier, this issue may be too fine a distinction for many..... a buddy of mine was talking about seeing people on the West Coast filling up water jugs (blue ones, with the white spigot at the bottom, and white vent plug at the top of the end/face) with gasoline at a station. The attendant was helping the customer lift it into the vehicle.
Rdgs, D.
