(the tyres will earth the power if a bolt hits us, right?)

I've been wondering about this.

What if you have steel-belted radials (isn't that standard these days?) and the tires are wearing thin? What if the steel is exposed? Wouldn't it act as a ground?

I once worked with a man whose car was struck by lightning. He said he just saw a blue glow all around his hood for a second. No other effects. Guess his tires were new...