Why is it safest to be in a car during a thunderstorm?

[SanAaron]

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.