Driving into a lightning storm can be dangerous, regardless of whether your car doors are shut. However, keeping your car doors shut may provide some added protection from lightning strikes.
While it’s generally not recommended to drive into a lightning storm, if you find yourself unable to avoid it, staying in your car is safer than being outside. If lightning were to strike your car, the metal frame would act as a Faraday cage, directing the electrical current around you. It’s important to keep all windows closed as well to minimize the possibility of a side flash.
A Faraday cage is a structure made of conductive material, such as metal, that shields the inside from electromagnetic fields. When lightning strikes a car, the metal frame acts as a Faraday cage, preventing the electrical current from passing through the interior of the car and protecting the occupants.
Seek Shelter
However, it’s important to note that while staying inside the car with the doors shut offers some protection, it is not foolproof. Lightning can still cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical systems or ignite a fire. It’s always best to avoid driving into a lightning storm if possible and seek shelter in a safe location.
In addition to keeping the car doors shut and the windows closed, it’s advisable to avoid touching any metal surfaces inside the car, such as the steering wheel or the door handles, during a lightning storm. This is because lightning can travel through these conductive surfaces and potentially harm you. It’s also important to stay away from any electronic devices, such as cell phones or radios, as they can attract lightning.
If you do find yourself in a lightning storm while driving, it’s best to pull over to a safe location and wait for the storm to pass. Avoid parking under trees or near tall objects that could attract lightning. If you are unable to find shelter, stay in your car with the doors shut and windows closed until the storm has subsided.
Remember, the best way to stay safe during a lightning storm is to avoid being outside or in a vehicle altogether.
