Is It Safe to Stay in a Car During a Thunderstorm?
1 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.