Why is it safest to be in a car during a thunderstorm?
3 Answers
Being in a car during a thunderstorm is safest mainly due to the following reasons: 1. The car body acts as an equipotential surface: The metal shell of the car forms an equipotential surface, meaning the potential of the people inside the car is roughly equal to that of the car itself. Therefore, when lightning strikes, no current is conducted to the people inside, making it safe to be in the car during a thunderstorm. 2. The car's tires provide insulation: It is an undeniable fact that cars are made of metal, but their enclosed structure turns them into a "Faraday cage." The wet tires serve as the key component connecting the car body to the ground for electrical conduction. Even if the vehicle is struck by lightning, the current can pass through the car's outer shell and tires, discharging into the ground without causing harm to the occupants inside.
I once drove during a thunderstorm and was quite frightened, but felt extremely safe inside the car. The car is made of metal, with the entire body resembling a large iron cage. If lightning were to strike, the current would flow along the outer shell of the car without entering the interior. This design acts like a protective shield, dispersing the lightning's energy and directing it straight to the ground. The tires also provide some insulation, preventing the current from harming anyone inside. So even with lightning flashing outside, as long as the windows are closed and you stay inside the car, you'll be perfectly fine. Modern cars all have this kind of protective feature to ensure the interior space is isolated. Next time you encounter a thunderstorm, don't be afraid—staying inside the car is the best choice. This is practical knowledge I've learned from experience.
Last weekend, I took my kids out for a trip when suddenly there was a loud thunderclap, which scared them to tears. However, we were safe inside the car. I explained that the car's metal frame can divert the lightning, just like water flowing through a pipe without entering the room. If lightning strikes the roof, the current travels along the car's body to the ground, leaving us unaffected. I’ve also heard of cases where cars were damaged by lightning, but the people inside were unharmed. The key is not to open the doors or touch any metal parts. If caught in the wild or on the highway during a thunderstorm, I always recommend turning on the hazard lights and pulling over to a safe spot until the storm passes. This is much safer than hiding under a tree or in an open-top vehicle, as trees are conductors and more likely to attract lightning. The car gives me a real sense of refuge, no matter the weather.
