As was so well pointed out by CrazyCatLady, permission to park in no way equals permission to drive . . .
Y’know, it was my dread of confronting Self-Appointed Parking Enforcers that made me so hesitant to park in a handicapped space even when my husband, the fully-qualified reason for our placard, was in the car. I used to joke with him, kiddingly asking him to limp a little, because when he first got it he didn’t appear to need it, at least not with a quick glance.
I’ve gotten over my worries about SAPEs, but the sad and terrible thing about that is that’s it’s due in part to his worsening condition (curse you MD!), which has forced him on oxygen 24/7 and to use a walker. I regret every moment I spent worried about the reactions of strangers that wasn’t spent worried about him. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to call and tell him that I love him.
I used to work with a woman just like this - her husband was disabled (he’d had both legs amputated at the knee due to complications from diabetes) and was at home all day. They only had one car, which had handicapped plates, of course, and she’d come to work and park in the handicapped spot. A fellow co-worker pointed it out to the office manager, who tried politely to tell her she was not allowed to park there. She stubbornly insisted she was allowed to, saying as long as she had the plates, she was allowed to park wherever she pleased. It didn’t matter if her husband was with her or not, to her way of thinking. It caused quite a bit of contention around the office for several weeks.
It ended up with the office mananger and the boss getting the building manager involved, who told her under no circumstances was she to park there anymore, and if she did, he’d have her car towed. She ended up quitting, threatening a lawsuit, but it never materialized.
Of course I know it is not a license. Of course I know it is a parking permit. Once again, I will try to make my point. I admit it is subtle – but I believe valid.
Vast majority of those with handicapp plates are legitimate. However, I firmly believe that some are not capable of driving any longer. I believe that giving those people permits may ENABLE them to continue driving when they should give up the car keys.
Am I advocating to end the handicap parking system? NO WAY.
I simply believe there should be stricter controls on how it is used and issued.
I am so freaking happy that I do not need to use a handicapped spot, that I do not care who does use them. Hell, I’ll park in the lot next door and walk over and I’ll be fine.
Color me confused. How does having a closer parking space affect whether you drive or not? And are you talking about people who are physcially incapable of driving, or people who shouldn’t be driving? If someone is physically incapable of driving, well, they’re not going to drive for obvious reasons. If you’re talking about someone who really shouldn’t be driving any longer but still does, well, they’re going to keep driving no matter where you make them park.
I think perhaps what you really want is stricter controls over licensing people with health conditions, which has nothing whatsoever to do with handicap parking.
[personal anecdote]: I’m on the receiving end of this. My mother is 93 and legally blind, and needs a walker to walk. She certainly doesn’t drive – she very sensibly gave up driving when she hit 70 – but I drive her to doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc. She got a handicapped placard, so that when I drive her, I can park as close as possible. Sometimes, I leave the car parked at the door, take her into the doctor’s office waiting room, and then go back and park the car in a handicapped spot… because when she comes OUT of the doctor’s office, I want her to have as short a walk as possible, and not have to stand on the curb while I go to the other end of the lot to drive the car around.
I’m sure that people like the OP see me park in a handicap spot and come away thinking that I’m an abuser of the right.
I have a similar antecdote as well. C K Dexter Haven.
My sister has one leg, walks unsteadily with a cane and is legally blind. She can’t drive.
Sometimes I’ll drop her off in front of the lobby of wherever (i.e., a doctor’s office) and then park the car in a handicapped space. This gives her more time to walk to the office and not be late. I’m sure people have jumped to conclusions with us as well when they see me park.
If you aren’t paying attention, my sister looks able-bodied enough. She can walk on both legs. One leg is crooked and has problems, and the other one—well, it isn’t there, but she’s got a prosthetic so no one can tell that. She often says that if anyone gives her a hard time about using a handicapped parking space, she’ll pull off her leg and show them why she’s qualified. (And she would, too. ;))
My hunch is you can’t see my point due to your experience as a doctor. Doctors can do no wrong. Before you get too offended – I admit I am this way with trial lawyers – as I one myself! My back gets up everytime I hear a “tort reform” argument.
Your point is valid – I will post stats shortly. I have read them – I should have done this sooner.
It seems 50-50 to me Qadgop. And some have said my OP is very reasonable. You are being a bit disingenious, no? If everyone agreed with me (which I never thought they would) this post wouldn’t be in the debate column.
I have been away for a week, I will post stats soon.
I know other things have been the focus here but I felt I sould address this. Believe me that is done. HC parking is a pet peeve of a lot of officers. As a practical matter it can’t be done very often. If I drive by and see someone not obviously handicapped I will ask for thier ID. Those with legit reasons are more than happy to comply because they are glad to see someone enforcing the law. Other than that it is difficult. Do you think that cops should stake out parking lots just in case someone comes out who is not limping? Like I said its not very practical.
A friend of mine (19 years old, totally healthy) had his aunt’s old car or something and he was paying her insurance and other expenses just so that he could park in the handicap parking. That was abusing the system but no authority ever said a thing about it to him.
