What Happens If Your Car Gets Hit by Lightning?
Last week, I was driving home from work when I saw a huge bolt of lightning strike the car in front of me. I pulled over to check if the driver was okay, and thankfully, they were fine. But it got me thinking: what would have happened if lightning had struck my car?
As it turns out, lightning strikes cars more often than you might think. According to the National Weather Service, there are an average of 25,000 car lightning strikes in the United States each year. While most of these strikes are not fatal, they can cause serious damage to your car and even lead to injuries.
What Happens When Lightning Strikes a Car?
When lightning strikes a car, it travels through the metal frame of the vehicle and into the ground. This can cause a number of things to happen, including:
- Electrical damage: Lightning can damage the car’s electrical system, including the battery, alternator, and starter. This can cause the car to stall or even catch fire.
- Mechanical damage: Lightning can also damage the car’s mechanical components, such as the engine, transmission, and brakes. This can make the car unsafe to drive.
- Fire: In some cases, lightning can cause a car to catch fire. This is most likely to happen if the car is struck in a fuel tank or if there is a lot of flammable material in the car.
What Should You Do If Your Car Gets Hit by Lightning?
If your car is hit by lightning, the first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Then, you should:
- Check for injuries: If you or anyone else in the car is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Call your insurance company: You should report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Have your car inspected: A qualified mechanic should inspect your car for damage. This will help you to determine if the car is safe to drive.
How Can You Prevent Your Car From Getting Hit by Lightning?
There is no surefire way to prevent your car from getting hit by lightning, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk:
- Avoid driving in thunderstorms: If you can, avoid driving in thunderstorms altogether. If you must drive, try to stay away from open areas and tall objects.
- Park your car in a garage or under a covered area: If you have a garage or carport, park your car inside during thunderstorms. If you don’t have a garage or carport, park your car under a tree or other large object.
- Close your windows and sunroof: If lightning strikes your car, closed windows and sunroof will help to protect you from the electrical current.
FAQ About Lightning and Cars
- Q: Can lightning strike a car that is moving?
- A: Yes, lightning can strike a car that is moving.
- Q: What type of cars are most likely to be struck by lightning?
- A: Contrary to popular belief, there is no definitive answer to this question. Roadsters, convertibles, and other open-top cars are not more likely to be struck by lightning, despite the lack of a “Faraday Cage” to conduct electricity safely into the ground.
- Q: How do rubber tires affect how lightning interacts with cars?
- A: Rubber tires provide minimal electrical insulation and do not shield the vehicle from lightning strikes.
- Q: What should you do if you see lightning while driving?
- A: If you see lightning while driving, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. Wait out the storm in your car.
Conclusion
Lightning strikes are a serious hazard, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your car being hit. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Now that you know what happens if your car gets hit by lightning, I’d like to know your thoughts.
- Do you have any questions about lightning and cars?
- Do you know anyone who has had their car struck by lightning?
- What would you do if your car was hit by lightning?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
