When thunderstorms rage, a common question arises: how safe are you inside a car if lightning strikes? Many wonder about the likelihood of such an event and what truly happens to a vehicle and its occupants. Understanding the science behind lightning and automotive design clarifies these concerns, providing insight into why cars offer protection during electrical storms.
Understanding the Odds
The chances of a car being struck by lightning are relatively low. Estimates suggest the probability of a car being struck is approximately 1 in 1.2 million, making it a rare event. While lightning strikes on moving vehicles occur, they are infrequent. Despite this low statistical probability, the dramatic nature of lightning and its portrayal in media can sometimes lead to a higher perceived risk than the actual statistical likelihood.
The Car’s Protective Design
A car with a metal hardtop offers protection during a lightning strike due to a principle known as the Faraday cage effect. The vehicle’s metal shell conducts the electrical current around the occupants and directs it to the ground. The electricity flows along the outer surface, shielding the interior from the powerful discharge. This is why remaining inside a metal-bodied car with windows closed is generally considered a safe place during a thunderstorm.
Rubber tires do not provide insulation from a lightning strike; lightning, with its immense voltage, can easily pass through the few inches of rubber. The safety comes from the conductive metal frame, which diverts the electrical charge. Vehicles like convertibles or those with non-metal bodies, such as fiberglass, do not provide the same level of protection because they lack the complete conductive shell necessary for the Faraday cage effect.
Impact and Occupant Safety
When lightning strikes a car, the vehicle can sustain various types of damage. Common effects include damage to the antenna, electrical system, and rear windshield, which may shatter due to heat. Tires can also be destroyed as the lightning current passes through their steel belts to the ground. A lightning strike can cause the engine to shut down or even pose a risk of fire.
Despite potential damage to the vehicle, occupants inside a metal-bodied car are generally safe. The Faraday cage effect ensures that the electrical current travels around the passenger compartment, protecting those within from direct harm. If caught in a thunderstorm, it is advisable to pull over to a safe location, turn off the engine, and keep all windows and doors closed. It is also important to avoid touching any metal parts inside the car, such as door handles or the steering wheel, during the storm to prevent indirect shock. After the strike, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before exiting the vehicle.