What to Do When a Car Is Struck by Lightning While Driving
2 Answers
Turn off all electronic devices in the car, shut off the engine, audio system, and radio, retract the car antenna, and close all windows. Do not touch the window handles, gear shift, steering wheel, etc. Keep your hands on your thighs and wait until the thunderstorm passes before driving again.
Having driven for so many years, I've encountered quite a few bizarre incidents, and getting struck by lightning is something to be extra careful about. If you feel the car shaking or hear a loud bang, immediately slow down and pull over—never slam on the brakes on the highway. After stopping, turn off the engine, close the windows tightly, and avoid touching metal parts like the steering wheel or door handles, as lightning currents can conduct and cause harm. Fortunately, the car's shell acts like a large cage, providing protection, so stay put inside and wait for the storm to pass. Once it's safe, check the car's condition. Lightning often fries electronic systems or the battery—I've seen a friend's car computer completely fried, so afterward, call a tow truck and take it to a 4S shop for a full inspection. Always keep an eye on weather apps while driving to avoid thunderstorm-prone areas—prevention is better than scrambling afterward. Safety comes first when driving; don’t rush or take risks. This advice is priceless—it’s helped me avoid plenty of trouble.
