Hmm. She must have gotten mugged while sleeping in her car somewhere. Hope she's alright.

I don't see anything ridiculous or stupid about the idea.

During the summer holidays the french motorway service areas are FULL of people sleeping in their cars and also camper vans overnight.

We've done it many times, not all night, but just for a couple of hours to top up the energy levels to allow us to continue our long journey.

The service areas are always busy (we're usually there September) and have the added benefit of hot and cold food and drink, decent wash facilities, including showers more often than not.

Agreed its not likely to be particularly comfortable, but provided they stopped in a main service area ( the ones with petrol stations, restaurant etc) and don't pick too secluded an area, I can't see much of a problem.

Another very cheap hotel chain we stayed in once is www.fasthotel.com

Very basic, prefab type hotels but comfortable enough. Meals are available also.