Can You Drive During Thunder and Lightning?
3 Answers
You can drive during thunder and lightning, but you need to close the doors properly, turn off the radio, GPS, car phone, and other in-car electronic devices, and retract the corresponding antennas. Safe driving methods include: 1. Check the vehicle's condition to avoid driving with potential hazards; 2. Fasten your seatbelt to enhance safety awareness; 3. Avoid fatigued driving; 4. Do not drink and drive; 5. Pay attention to road conditions in bad weather; 6. Handle any unexpected situations on the road properly. Items to check before driving include: 1. Whether the vehicle tools are complete; 2. Whether the tire pressure is normal; 3. Whether there is sufficient fuel and oil; 4. Whether the radiator water level meets the requirements; 5. Whether the battery liquid level is up to standard; 6. Press the brake pedal to check if the braking performance is good; 7. Whether the clutch is fully disengaged; 8. Use the manual gearshift to check if the transmission is in neutral.
Throughout my years of driving, I've encountered numerous thunderstorms. While it is feasible to drive during thunder and lightning, extra caution is essential. There's a risk of lightning striking the vehicle. Although the car's metal frame acts as a Faraday cage to protect occupants, intense electrical discharges can damage both internal and external electronic devices, leading to malfunctions such as issues with ABS or navigation systems. More critically, visual and auditory distractions can divert attention and increase the likelihood of accidents, akin to being startled by a sudden flash and mistakenly hitting the brakes. Personally, I recommend avoiding driving unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, slow down, steer clear of open areas, park in a safe zone, turn off the engine, unplug electronic accessories, and wait for the storm to pass. Refrain from any rash actions until the thunderstorm has completely subsided to ensure personal safety.
As a daily commuter, I believe driving during thunderstorms is possible but requires the right approach. When lightning strikes, it's best not to speed on open highways as high velocity may increase the risk of induced currents. Reduce speed to urban limit levels, ensure windows are closed to prevent rainwater from causing skids, and minimize use of electronic devices like phones or radios to reduce potential electromagnetic interference. When parking, choose covered areas like under bridges or underground parking lots to decrease direct strike chances. Always remember to buckle up and stay steady. If intense lightning causes visual impairment, I temporarily pull over, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes to assess stability before proceeding—safety first, no pushing limits.
