It's true that people are often safe inside a car during a lightning storm, but the reason for that is dangerously misunderstood.
All-metal cars (not convertibles) can provide protection. This is because of the Faraday Cage effect: Electricity is directed throughout the metal exterior, instead of inside the vehicle. The charge then exits to the ground.
This isn't because of the car's rubber wheels. In fact, there are important limitations to the protection inside a metal car.
Don't touch metal objects in the car. According to weather.com, some current can travel through the electrical systems, including radios, cell phone chargers, GPS units, foot pedals, door handles and the steering wheel.
If a lightning strike disables the car's electrical systems, the air bag can deploy. Lightning can also spark fires in the car's electrical system.
Best advice: Shelter in a substantial building – not in your car. If this isn't possible, pull the car over, turn on the emergency lights and put your hands in your lap. Windows should be up.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
