Quick Answer
Vehicles are not safe to stay in during a tornado, unless they are designed and built as tornado shelters, which is rare. Most vehicles can be tossed by tornado winds, and the risk of injury or death is high.
Vehicle Safety Risks
Vehicles are not designed to withstand the extreme forces generated by tornadoes. Even reinforced vehicles can be lifted or tossed by winds exceeding 100 mph. A vehicle’s roof can be ripped off, and the occupants can be crushed or thrown from the vehicle. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) strongly advise against seeking shelter in a vehicle during a tornado.
Vehicle Design Limitations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested vehicles for their ability to withstand high winds, but these tests do not simulate the extreme forces generated by a tornado. Vehicles are designed to protect occupants from collisions and other hazards, not from extreme weather events like tornadoes. The metal body of a vehicle may be crushed or deformed by the wind forces, and the occupants can be trapped inside.
Tornado Sheltering Alternatives
If you are driving and a tornado warning is issued for your area, leave your vehicle and seek shelter in a nearby building or a designated tornado shelter. If you are unable to leave your vehicle, go to an area that provides some protection, such as a ditch or a depression, and cover your head and neck with your arms. This may not provide complete protection, but it is better than staying in your vehicle.
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