“every day 100s of people drive off with the handle still connected to the car”
Hundreds? I doubt it’s that high.
I read that in one gas station it happens 3-5 times a month. (Google: “ Driving away from a gas station with a gas pump attached is relatively common, and can happen multiple times a month at a single station”). So I extrapolated and then cut the number. But there is a reason these pumps are now installed with breakaway valves. Easier to repair on site.