Only works if your job is far enough away that you can't take the bus/public transit and car is the only option. I had a job once that I tried to get out of using that excuse and the response I got from my boss was "can't you take the bus?" And I had to remind myself never to use that excuse when I lived in SF and my job was across the street from my apartment.
It's funny how when I was younger I was always looking for ways to get out of work, but now that it actually hurts a lot financially for me to miss even one day, even when I am sick or hung over I still go in.