Driving in the middle of a thunderstorm is stressful enough, but when you start seeing bright flashes all around you, the question becomes hard to ignore: Should you pull over during a lightning storm—or keep going?
It might surprise you, but in many cases, your car is actually one of the safer places to be during a lightning storm. However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely protected or that every driving condition is safe during severe weather. When and how you pull over—or whether you should keep driving at all—depends on a few key factors.
Let’s look closer at what makes a car relatively safe when you should stop, and how to avoid common mistakes during electrical storms.
Why Your Car Is Usually a Safe Place
Contrary to what many people believe, it’s not the rubber tires that protect you from lightning—it’s the car’s metal body that acts as a Faraday cage. When lightning strikes a metal-roofed vehicle, the electrical charge travels around the outside of the car and safely into the ground, protecting the occupants inside—as long as they aren’t touching anything connected to the outside.
That means you should:
- Avoid touching metal parts like door handles or gear shifters
- Keep your hands off the steering wheel and dashboard if they're metal-trimmed
- Unplug phone chargers and avoid using connected electronics during the storm
Convertibles, soft tops, and fiberglass-bodied vehicles (like some RVs or Jeeps) do not offer the same protection. In those cases, pulling over and getting to a secure shelter is a better choice.
When to Pull Over
Even if your car provides decent protection from lightning, poor driving conditions during a thunderstorm are reason enough to stop. Heavy rain, wind, hail, and reduced visibility can make it nearly impossible to drive safely—lightning just adds to the danger.
Pull over if:
- You can’t see clearly ahead due to rain or lightning flashes
- Roads are flooding or covered in debris
- Thunder and lightning are striking close to your vehicle
- You feel unsafe or anxious continuing to drive
When you do pull over, try to find a parking lot or side road away from trees and power lines. Keep your car in “park,” turn on your hazard lights, and wait for the worst of the storm to pass. Stay inside the car with your windows rolled up and avoid making contact with any metal.
Don’t Stop Just Anywhere
If there’s no safe turnout or parking lot nearby, don’t slam on the brakes in the middle of the road or on a highway shoulder unless it’s absolutely necessary. Stopping suddenly in low visibility puts you at risk of being rear-ended.
If you have to keep moving, reduce your speed, turn on your headlights (not your high beams), and increase your following distance. Be cautious around puddles—during lightning storms, heavy rain can quickly lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
Avoid touching any part of the vehicle's frame or connected electronics during the storm, and stay alert for other drivers who may be panicking or driving erratically.
What to Do If Your Car Is Actually Struck
It’s rare, but it does happen. If lightning strikes your car:
- You’ll likely hear a loud boom or see a flash.
- Your electronics will shut down or flicker.
- There may be burn marks or damage to antennas, tires, or electrical systems.
The important thing is to stay inside the vehicle until the storm has passed. Once it’s safe, check your car for damage and have it inspected as soon as possible. Electrical systems, sensors, and even tires can suffer hidden damage after a strike.
Concerned about your vehicle’s electronics after a lightning storm? Let Exclusive Motorworks in Jupiter, FL, check your car’s systems for any hidden damage. From blown fuses to failed sensors, we’ll make sure your car is safe and functioning as it should be after severe weather.