The element of human stupidity has to be involved.

I can't agree entirely. Sometimes it's just random bad luck. If you drop a lug nut while changing a tire it will roll to the center of the car equally distant from all four wheels. That won't be every time, but it will happen more often
than it should. Dropping a lug nut may be clumsy, but it isn't stupid.

And on the same subject:
If a wheel is held in place by four lug nuts, three of them will come off easily.(Murphy again)

And yes, some wheels only have 4, but most have 5.
I had a Renault that only had 3. It came up short in some other ways as well. My lawnmower only has one, which is a good reason to drive it slowly. Some sports car have no lugs at all.
I rambled again. Sorry.

Murphy slaw! Groan.
Howard