Is It Safe to Be in a Car During a Thunderstorm?
2 Answers
It is safe to be in a car during a thunderstorm. The car's body is mostly made of metal, and with the doors and windows closed, the car forms an enclosed space similar to the principle of a "Faraday cage." This space remains unaffected by lightning during thunderstorms. Precautions: 1. Park in an open area: Although the car itself is not conductive, if nearby objects like billboards or large trees are struck by lightning, the car could be at risk of being hit by falling debris. 2. Turn off mobile devices: These devices can attract lightning during thunderstorms. 3. Close all windows: This ensures the car remains fully enclosed, protecting against side strikes from lightning.
Sitting in a car during a thunderstorm is actually quite safe because the car's body is surrounded by a metal shell, acting like a large cage that blocks external lightning. When lightning strikes the car, the current travels along the metal surface to the ground without penetrating inside to harm the occupants. I often read scientific materials and know this is called the Faraday cage effect, but simply put, the car body blocks electricity. If you encounter a thunderstorm while driving, it's best to find a safe place to stop, such as a parking spot or open area, close the windows and doors tightly, and avoid touching any metal parts like the steering wheel or door handles. Remember, although the car is safe, the risk increases if the windows are open or you touch metal. This is much safer than running around outside, and learning some basic knowledge can save your life.
