Is it safe to remain in a parked car during a lightning storm?

Understanding Lightning Safety

Lightning can strike the ground within a radius of up to 10 miles (16 kilometers) of a thunderstorm. If you’re in a parked car during a lightning storm, you’re exposed to several risks, including direct strikes, side flashes, and ground currents. A direct strike is a bolt of lightning that hits the vehicle, while a side flash occurs when lightning strikes a nearby object and then jumps to the car. Ground currents can also flow through the vehicle’s metal body, posing a significant threat to occupants.

Safe Alternation in Event of a Lightning Storm

If you’re stuck in a parked car during a lightning storm, follow these steps to minimize your risk. First, go to the nearest safe location, such as a building or a hard-topped vehicle with a metal roof. If you can’t reach a safe location, crouch low with your feet together and your head down, avoiding contact with metal objects such as car door handles or fences. Avoid lying flat or leaning against a car, as this can increase your risk of electrocution.

Lightning Storm Safety Precautions

When preparing for a lightning storm, consider the following precautions. Avoid traveling during thunderstorms, especially in open areas or near bodies of water. If you’re caught in a storm, avoid metal objects such as golf clubs, bicycles, or fences. Instead, seek shelter in a hard-topped vehicle or a building with a metal roof. When walking or driving, monitor local weather forecasts and keep an eye out for signs of an approaching storm, such as dark clouds or flashes of lightning.