Is it safe to drive during lightning and thunder?

[StBryce]

It is safe to drive during lightning and thunder. When inside a car, the enclosed environment provides relative safety during a thunderstorm. Although a lightning strike in an enclosed space does not pose a direct threat to the driver, it is still essential to remain vigilant about personal safety and safe driving practices in severe weather. Below are precautions to take when driving during lightning and thunder: 1. Close all windows and turn off electronic devices: Ensure all windows are closed, and switch off electronic devices such as the radio, GPS, and car phone. Adjust your speed and maintain low-speed driving. Avoid parking under tall trees, as they can act as conductors. Electronic devices that are powered on can also become conductors for lightning, posing a risk of being struck if left on. 2. Turn on hazard lights and low beams in low visibility: When driving in foggy conditions with poor visibility, drivers should activate their hazard lights and low beams, maintain low-speed driving, and use the horn to alert pedestrians at intersections. During normal driving, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to ensure safe driving conditions and personal safety.

[Micah]

Driving during thunder and lightning can indeed be quite frightening, but the car itself is actually quite safe. The metal body of the car creates a Faraday cage effect, directing the electric current to the ground. As long as you keep the windows closed and stay inside the car, you'll be fine. The most important thing in this situation is actually visibility while driving: heavy rain can make the windshield completely blurry, so you need to turn the wipers to the highest setting. If the thunder is particularly close, be careful not to stop in open high areas or near large trees, as lightning tends to strike these spots first. The last time I encountered this situation, I gradually reduced my speed to below 60 km/h, turned on the front and rear fog lights to alert other drivers, and finally found a gas station rest area to wait until the rain eased before continuing. Never push forward when visibility is poor.

[AmyMarie]

As a seasoned driver, I've experienced driving in thunderstorms dozens of times. It's true that a car's metal body can protect against lightning strikes, so you can sit safely in the driver's seat. However, pay attention to a few details: avoid using external electronic devices like phone chargers in the car to prevent circuit damage from lightning; make sure the sunroof is completely closed to prevent rainwater from pouring in; it's best to retract the shark fin antenna on the roof in advance. During the heaviest rain, it's advisable to pull over with hazard lights on and stay away from overpass pillars, as lightning striking them might cause debris to fall. Once, I encountered hail the size of fists mixed with lightning on the road and immediately drove into a tunnel to take shelter for twenty minutes—nothing is more important than safety in such weather.

[MarleyDella]

The key to driving during thunderstorms and lightning lies in preventive measures. Check the weather in advance and carry snow chains, as braking distances can be two to three times longer on slippery wet roads during heavy rain. Keep an absorbent towel in the car for emergency use to wipe fog off the windows. Lightning won’t directly harm you, but the intense light can cause temporary blindness—if you hear thunder, grip the steering wheel firmly and avoid sudden turns. Remember to turn on the rearview mirror heating function, and using the AC’s cold air directly on the windows is most effective for defogging. If the rain is so heavy that road signs become invisible, the safest option is to pull over at a service area and rest—don’t worry about wasting time. The chance of your car’s electronic systems being damaged by lightning is very low, but it’s best to check the headlight wiring for water damage after returning home.