Is that true,the ? I heard about it years ago, but had assumed it to be an urban myth
Mike
It was essentially true Mike amazingly, a long time back too. One of my great uncles in the States showed me a local newspaper cutting when I visited him back in the 70's. If I recall the time elapse exaggeration suggested that the driver was on a crowded freeway at 60+ mph and deserted the wheel to attend to domestic duties etc. Apparently he went to the rear to get his cup of coffee that he'd left in the kitchen compartment, believing the momentum etc would retain the vehicles course whilst he was away! If I recall he was on a long straight road with no traffic within miles at 5.30am on a clear summers day in mid Michigan. An incredulous Highway Patrol parked on an elevated observation point saw a driverless Winnie pass him, so he set off in pursuit as it slowly decelerated, finally coming to rest on the hard shoulder, resting against a litter bin.
Interviewed at a Police station, where he passed a breathalyser test The non driver blamed these events upon the 'cruise controls' failure to operate properly.
That would have been that, but a sharp lawyer defending him on a 'careless' driving charge thought it worth a try on with Winniebago and they paid up rather than 'run' the case. It was a low level settlement apparently.
He was still convicted and fined by the State though. I'd like to say 'Only in America' but in these days of dumb down who knows?