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There are many myths about lightning strikes, including varying beliefs about whether you are safe from a storm in a vehicle.
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In 2025, two North Carolinians died by lightning strikes, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. So far, one American has died by lightning strike in 2026, according to the National Weather Service.
More than 72% of the lightning deaths occurred in June, July and August, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. Slightly more deaths occur on weekends than other days of the week.
A car exploded in Wichita, Kansas, on Sunday, June 21, and first responders initially said lightning was the cause. Lightning has since been ruled out, but it left us wondering how safe cars really are from lightning strikes.
Yes, as long as the vehicle has a hard-topped outer metal shell and you’re fully inside, according to the National Lightning Safety Council.
A common myth is that rubber tires keep the car itself safe from lightning, but this isn’t true. The car will sustain damage if hit.
Motorcycles, bikes, golf carts, AATVs and lawnmowers are not safe options.
North Carolina was among the top 10 states for lightning related deaths between 2006 and 2025 – tied for third with Florida.
Both killed in 2025 were boating. Two thirds of all American deaths between 2006 and 2024 were of people involved in leisurely outdoor activities, according to the National Lightning Safety Council.
Over the time period, men accounted for 80% of deaths and 90% of deaths during fishing, sports and work in the country.
The National Weather Service keeps a list of common myths about lightning, and you’ve probably heard some.
Myth: If you touch a lightning victim, you’ll be electrocuted because they are electrified.
Fact: It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid, because the human body does not store electricity. Rapid response is important.
Myth: You should shelter under a tree to stay dry if you are outside during a thunderstorm.
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Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties.
Myth: You should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck if you are caught outside during a storm.
Fact: Crouching doesn’t make you any safer. Run to a building or hard topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no other good alternative, because it isn’t safe to be outside.
Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s tall, pointy and isolated. The Empire State Building is hit an average of 23 times a year
Myth: Structures with metal, or metal on the body, such as jewelry, cell phones, technology and watches, attract lightning.
Fact: Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the main factors controlling where lightning will strike. The presence of metal makes no difference.
It’s rare, but it can be fatal. More than 500 people have died by lightning in the past 20 years.
Lightning can cause a mild burn on your body, damage to your brain or death, according to Atrium Health. It can cause cardiac arrest, burns and brain hemorrhage.
If someone survives a lightning strike, neurological and muscle problems may continue for the rest of their life. People may suffer mild burns and ruptured ear drums from being in the vicinity of a strike.
If you see someone hit by lightning, call 911 immediately. If you see multiple people hit by lightning, begin CPR on people who appear dead. Typically in a mass casualty event, medical staff focus effort on people who stand the highest chance of living, but prompt, accurate CPR can still save people who are pulseless after a strike.
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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 10:58 AM with the headline “Are you safe from lightning inside a car? 2 died by lightning in NC last year.”
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