What to Do If a Car Is Struck by Lightning While Driving?

[StAngela]

If a car is struck by lightning while driving, it is necessary to turn off all electronic devices in the car, shut down the engine, audio system, and radio, retract the car antenna, and close all windows to create a fully enclosed space. If there is no fire or other life-threatening situations, do not exit the vehicle immediately. After being struck by lightning, the best practice is to immediately turn off all electronic devices inside the car and wait until the thunderstorm has passed before continuing to drive. Cars are not easily struck by lightning for the following reasons: 1. Height: Most cars are not very tall and are relatively flat, which makes them less likely to be struck by lightning. 2. Tire conductivity: The tires that come into contact with the ground have very low conductivity and can be considered insulators. If an object has very high resistance, it will not be penetrated by lightning. Moreover, even if a car is struck by lightning, people inside are generally unharmed because the car itself acts as a complete metal shell. When struck by lightning, the person inside the car is at the same potential as the car, thus preventing electric shock.

[StLilliana]

If your car gets struck by lightning while driving, don't rush to jump out. First, steady the steering wheel and gradually slow down, then find a safe spot to pull over. Remember, the car acts like a metal cage—most of the current travels along the exterior, so staying inside is actually safer. After stopping, turn off the engine and turn on the hazard lights. Avoid touching any metal parts or wandering outside. Wait until the thunder stops and check if the car is smoking or on fire. If everything seems fine, test the electronic devices—many cars experience erratic dashboard behavior after a lightning strike. If anything feels off, call for roadside assistance and request a tow truck. Afterwards, don't forget to take the car to a repair shop for a full electrical system inspection, as some components might be damaged without obvious signs. Also, such an experience can be quite frightening—find a quiet place to calm down, drink some water, and make any necessary calls to reassure loved ones.

[DeWalter]

I've seen several cases where cars were struck by lightning, and the people inside were mostly unharmed. The principle is that the car's body blocks the electric current, making it much safer to stay inside the car than outside. If this happens, first slow down, find an open area away from trees to park, close the windows, and lock the doors. Avoid touching metal objects like the radio, as the internal wiring might conduct electricity. Getting out of the car is the most dangerous part—lightning doesn't care where you step. Wait for the thunderstorm to pass, then check if the car lights work or if there are any cracks in the glass. Malfunctioning central control screens are particularly common. Afterward, immediately contact your insurance company and a repair shop to inspect the battery and wiring. When driving in a thunderstorm, turning off electronic devices like the GPS can reduce the chances of being struck.

[JohnnyMarie]

If your car gets struck by lightning while driving, immediately pull over, turn off the engine, but stay inside the vehicle. The electrical current primarily flows outside the car, making the interior relatively safer. However, high voltage may damage electronic systems, such as the dashboard suddenly going dark or power windows getting stuck. After stopping, turn off the air conditioning and radio to reduce the risk of electrical shorts. If you smell burning, call 119 for help immediately. Post-incident inspections should focus on core systems like ABS and airbags. A repair shop using a voltmeter to test the circuits is the most reliable method. The steel wires in the tires might also be damaged by the electrical current. Insurance typically covers such incidents, so remember to take photos of the scene as evidence. Before driving the repaired car, take a few test laps to check if the brakes are functioning properly.