Disabled parking spaces close to the entrance are so appealing,
especially if one is in a hurry. …”I’m
just going to be a minute.” When looking
for a space, I often say to myself - "it’s amazing what the disabled can
drive.” That's because of the variety of vehicles found in disabled
parking spaces. My favorites are the amazing monster trucks and sports
cars – vehicles which a disabled person typically cannot drive or even get into
or out of. Yet, a good many of these suspect vehicles have the required
disabled parking placard. Still others
do not. Occasionally I am curious to see
who gets out of such a vehicle. While it
is true that many bonafide disabilities are not visually obvious, it is also
true that parking spaces are used by people with no qualifying disability and
no passenger with them who does.
I have always wondered why people use the disabled spaces when
they don’t need them. Over the years, I
have heard a lot of unsolicited reasons from offenders after they realize I saw
them. Most commonly I hear “I was just
going to be a minute,” “I never do this usually,” “I was in a hurry,” and “my
family member is disabled but is not with me.”
Some don’t seem to notice or care.
I am not the parking police and I don’t ask for an explanation so if
someone feels guilty, I can only assume they have something to feel guilty
about. I don’t bail them out – I just
smile politely.
Disabled parking spaces, by law, must be close to the entrance.
This is important for wheelchair users because there is some danger when
going between long rows of parked vehicles (being so short) that someone
backing out their car won’t see us. Trucks
and higher vehicles definitely have a problem seeing a wheelchair or small child
behind them. I have to remain extremely
vigilant. I am very focused as I watch
for backup lights and listen for vehicles starting their engines.
Disabled spaces are also typically wider than an ordinary parking
place. For vans with a side lift, this wideness
is necessary (not optional) in order to lower the lift. Wider spots make it possible to maneuver a
wheelchair in between cars to load groceries or retrieve something from the
side of the vehicle. Regular-size spots do not have enough room. Many times, the door won't even open without
touching the adjacent car. In addition,
there is always the risk of scratching the adjacent vehicle with a grocery cart
or wheelchair.
Disabled parking placards are intended for disabled drivers or
drivers in any vehicle when transporting a disabled person. Qualifying disabilities generally include
diseases which substantially impair or interfere with mobility (e.g.
respiratory, cardiac, orthopedic, neurologic, etc.), and those resulting in
inability to move without the aid of an assistive device (wheelchair, braces,
artificial limbs, walkers, canes, crutches, etc.).
A qualifying disability must be determined and certified by a
medical provider (may be waived for amputees).
This signed certification must be presented to the Department of Motor
Vehicles. Placards are given a unique number
which identifies the disabled person. They
must be used by the disabled person only, either as the driver or as the
passenger. They must be renewed
periodically (varies by state) and surrendered upon the individual’s death. Unfortunately, however, it is not uncommon
for these placards to be used by others long after the disabled person has
died.
It is not difficult or expensive to get a placard. Anyone who thinks they need one should see
their physician and request one because it is illegal in many, if not all,
states to use someone else’s placard or to lend it to another. Temporary placards are available in the event
that you are lucky enough to have just a temporary disability. Violators can be fined, have their placard
revoked, or not qualify for renewal.
Unfortunately, we all know that disabled parking rules are hardly
ever enforced which makes them extremely dependent on the honor system. A good rule of thumb when tempted to park in a
disabled space is to ask yourself if you would trade the minor benefit of
parking close to an entrance for a qualifying disability (your choice).
Disabled parking spaces are not simply a convenience for those who
need them. So… if you don’t honestly need
a space, don’t use one. At least half of
the time when I go out, the disabled spots are full. It would be comforting to know that every
space is legitimately occupied.
Note: Placard and parking rules may vary slightly from state to state. Check with your state for specific details.
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