Is It Safe to Stay in a Car During a Thunderstorm?
2 Answers
It is safe to stay in a car during a thunderstorm. Reasoning: The metal body of a car acts as an equipotential surface, meaning the electrical potential of the person inside the car and the car itself is roughly equal. Therefore, when lightning strikes, no current will be conducted to the person inside the car, making it a very safe place during a thunderstorm. Precautions during a thunderstorm: Avoid handling flammable materials in open containers. Stay away from water and small boats. If you are traveling, remain inside the car, as it often serves as an excellent lightning shelter. If no shelter is available, avoid the tallest objects in the area. If the only nearby object is an isolated tree, the best protection is to crouch in the open, maintaining a distance from the tree that is at least twice its height.
When it's thundering, it's quite safe inside a car, thanks to the vehicle's body design. The metal shell acts like a protective cage, directing the lightning current along the body to the ground without entering the interior to harm occupants. As someone who frequently shares driving safety tips, I've repeatedly reminded friends not to exit the car during a thunderstorm: close the windows, park in an open area away from trees or tall buildings, and you'll be fine. In the rare event that lightning directly strikes the car, people inside are generally unharmed, but avoid touching metal parts like door handles or steering columns just in case. It's best to turn off the engine to conserve the battery and wait in the car until the storm weakens before moving. Remember, compared to hiding under trees or in open areas, a car is a reliable lightning shelter.
