TCS guide: On the road in the car during a storm: Waiting under the bridge is prohibited

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What should I do if I am caught in a severe storm with my car? Can I stand under a bridge on the Highway for protection?
Doris Pfisterer, Wetzikon ZH

As the weather warms up, the risk of heavy rain increases again. Heavy rain and hail are often accompanied by thunder and lightning. But those who live inside are protected: the lightning rod on the roof of the house or the car that also works like a lightning rod – the keyword Faraday cage. When lightning strikes the car, the body conducts electricity around the passengers inside (read here: “How safe am I on a motorcycle in a storm?”).

Car windows shattered by large hailstones do happen, but are rare. The same applies here: wait in the car until the worst passes. It is best to look for a sheltered place, such as a canopy or multi-storey car park, and wait before continuing your journey. But trees should be avoided as protection: they attract lightning, can be knocked down by storms, or at least lose branches.

During storms and hail on the highway, stopping in lanes is prohibited and only allowed in exceptional cases – for example, in traffic jams. Under no circumstances should you stop your vehicle under a highway bridge to protect it from hail. If there are no faults, the use of fault strips or fault parking spaces is also prohibited. In case of heavy rain and consequent poor visibility, it is recommended to continue driving on the highway at a suitable speed and with the dipped beam headlights on. In case of hail, go to the next exit as soon as possible and stay in a safe place, like in a storm.

While the probability of severe thunderstorms is increasing due to climate change, there are more opportunities for timely information. Meteo apps and increasingly detailed weather alerts on the radio complete the proven view of the sky.

Source: Blick