You know what, stuff happens. I had an appearance long ago in a landlord dispute when my truck transmission died two miles from the courthouse and was blocking traffic. I was fortunate in the I told the first cop on the scene I was due in court and he actually extended the courtesy of calling the court for me.
Hmmm. Glad the police showed up and called ahead for you. In your case, yes, stuff happens.
Frankly, I was thinking of the habit of a whole set of people who seem to think that deadlines and times to show up are malleable.