Is it dangerous to drive during a thunderstorm?

A motor vehicle expert explains

Created: 09/19/2022, 06:00

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

As a driver, you should react correctly in a violent thunderstorm – but you don’t need to be afraid of lightning in the car.

When there's a thunderstorm, it's best to be at home - and watch the spectacle of rain, lightning and thunder from the dry living room through the pane.

However, you don't always escape the thunderstorm - and sometimes it catches you while driving.

When the summer is coming to an end and the "dark season" begins, you should not only pack a few things in the car, but also expect more thunderstorms.

Many people are probably most afraid of a lightning strike – but you are well protected from that in the car.

One expert advises that you should definitely adapt your driving style to the weather conditions.

Above all, the huge masses of water that a thunderstorm brings with it are dangerous for drivers.

(symbol image) © Imago/A.

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Is it dangerous to drive during a thunderstorm?

A motor vehicle expert explains

It is quite unlikely that lightning will actually strike your own vehicle - but many are afraid of it.

But there is no reason for that, as Thomas Schuster, motor vehicle expert from the expert organization KÜS, explains.

The sheet metal skin of the vehicle works like a "Faraday cage" that conducts the electrical charge past the occupants into the ground.

Important: If lightning has actually discharged on the car, you should avoid touching conductive surfaces (e.g. metal) in the first few seconds after the strike.

According to the expert, a lightning strike can still be dangerous: Mainly because it gives the driver a real fright, which can possibly result in uncontrolled reactions and driving errors.

Driving in thunderstorms: Increase safety distance

Much more dangerous than a lightning strike for motorists is the usually heavy precipitation that accompanies a thunderstorm.

A downpour can severely restrict visibility, and sometimes the windscreen wipers, even at maximum level, find it difficult to master the masses of water.

In addition, the pane can fog up from the inside.

That's why the expert advises: Immediately step off the gas, increase the distance to the vehicle in front.

Especially when the vehicle in front stirs up a strong spray, the safety distance should be increased again and the lights switched on.

In addition, according to Schuster, you should turn up the fan and align it with the windscreen.

Switching to fresh air and opening the side window slightly can accelerate dehumidification in the interior.

If conditions continue to deteriorate,

a break is recommended.

Particularly heavy rainfall is usually short-lived.

Driving in a thunderstorm: Reacting correctly in the event of aquaplaning

Driving in a car becomes particularly dangerous when aquaplaning occurs on country roads and motorways.

According to the expert, if the tires float on the water film on the road, Schuster should disengage the clutch and avoid hectic steering or braking manoeuvres.

The latter could lead to serious accidents if the wheels regain grip and the steering is turned incorrectly.

If there is a lot of water on the asphalt, you can avoid floating by driving parallel to deep ruts.

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Driving in thunderstorms: Don't underestimate gusts of wind

Another major source of danger are strong thunderstorm winds.

According to Schuster, if there are strong gusts, it can be advisable to drive into a parking lot to avoid flying branches.

Strong crosswinds can provoke collisions, especially in larger cars, vehicles with bodies or light models.

When crossing a bridge or driving through forest aisles, the storm can suddenly move vehicles sideways.

You should also think carefully about overtaking teams, mobile homes or vans in strong winds.

Driving in a thunderstorm: It is better not to drive through deep water

There is also a risk of extreme rainfall from flash floods, which cause sudden flooding.

In underpasses, for example, water can collect in large quantities.

What might look like a puddle then becomes a trap.

Motorists often underestimate the depth and then remain surrounded by flood waters.

As a rule, a water depth up to the wheel hubs for vehicles is not a problem.

Sometimes the operating instructions also state a permissible "immersion depth".

With an SUV or off-road vehicle you have better cards than with a low-slung sports car.

It looks bad if the engine gets partly or completely under the water surface.

Then often only the towing service can help.

You should therefore think carefully about whether you risk driving through large "puddles".

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