Many people wonder if they would survive a lightning strike while in their car. Being inside a typical hard-topped, metal-bodied vehicle during a lightning strike is often safer than being outside. The design of most cars provides significant protection, though certain factors can influence this safety.
The Science Behind Vehicle Safety
A car offers protection during a lightning strike due to the Faraday cage effect. A metal-bodied car acts as a conductive enclosure, channeling electrical current around occupants and into the ground. When lightning strikes the vehicle, the electricity travels over the exterior metal shell, creating an outer path for the current.
This electrical charge then moves through the car’s frame and typically arcs from the lowest metal parts, such as the tires, into the ground. The common belief that rubber tires protect occupants by insulating the car from the ground is a misconception. While rubber is an insulator, the immense voltage of a lightning strike can easily overcome the insulation provided by tires. The conductive metal shell of the vehicle directs the current away from the interior.
Factors Affecting Your Safety
While most conventional metal-bodied cars offer good protection, certain vehicle types may provide less safety. Convertibles, even with their soft tops up, do not have a complete metal structure surrounding the occupants, which compromises the Faraday cage effect. Similarly, vehicles with fiberglass or plastic bodies do not conduct electricity like metal, meaning they cannot form an effective Faraday cage and offer minimal protection.
Inside a struck vehicle, avoid touching any metal components that could conduct the current. This includes door handles, the steering wheel, radio dials, or other electronic devices. Touching these parts could provide a path for the electricity to pass through your body, potentially causing injury. Remaining still with your hands in your lap helps ensure you do not inadvertently become part of the electrical circuit.
What to Do If Your Car is Struck
If your car is struck by lightning while you are driving, pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. It is also advisable to turn off the engine to prevent potential damage to the electrical system. Remain inside the vehicle with windows closed, and avoid touching any metal surfaces for at least 30 minutes after the strike, or until the storm has passed.
After a strike, assess the vehicle for visible damage before attempting to drive or exit. Lightning strikes can cause various issues, including damage to the electrical system, antenna, tires, and even the rear windshield. The immense heat from a strike can melt parts of the car or cause tires to explode due to the sudden heating of air. Even if no immediate damage is apparent, have the vehicle professionally inspected for hidden electrical problems.