What's the deal with handicapped parking? I saw a F250 4x4 with all the construction stuff for a vinyl siding business in the handicapped zone with a sticker.

Anyone that could crawl up in this bad boy is healthy as a mountain goat.

 

My Grandma could climb in that thing, but she sure as heck couldn't walk all the way from most parking spaces to into the restaraunt or wherever. All disabilities are different man, not all of them hinder someones ability to get in the car.

 

What I wanna know is: if its illegal to park in a handicap spot, is it also illegal to use the handicap stall in the restroom? Man those things are roomy!
Robb

 

fiend,
I agree with you that all disabilities are different, however, handicapped parking spaces were initiated to aid people with problems walking. A broken arm or a bad eye are not supposed to qualify. You see people all the time that don't appear to have any mobility problems, especially when you are watching them load 6-8 sheets of 3/4" plywood in the back of their truck after spending an hour walking through Home Depot. Also, if a person has difficulty walking into a store, why are there handicapped spaces at a mall? I don't mean to say handicapped persons shouldn't go to the mall, but wouldn't it make sense that if you can't walk far enough to get into the 7/11 without a handicapped parking space, how are you going to get around in a mall? Some of these spaces are at places you wouldn't believe. They have them at golf courses, bowling alleys, and nature trails. Why? If you can't walk, how can you bowl, play golf, or WALK through the nature trails? The system is abused, but it got brownie points for the politicians that got it approved. I would agree, though, that it is better to have this system abused so that legitimate disabilities get access than to eliminate it and punish the truly needy. It also doesn't really matter to me, as I park away from any known civilization when I go out. That is the only sure fire way to avoid door dings.

 

Around where I live, I mostly see people park in handicapped spaces who really shouldn't be there. Like it was said before, sometimes you see a person load 4x8 foot sheets of plywood in their truck after walking around the home depot for an hour. They usually do have handicapped tags or plates, but perhaps those plates are intended for another family member, etc. It really ticks me off when I see that. Other times, it is people who just park there to "pick something up" such as a pizza, etc. Where is a cop when you need one? I definitely feel these spots are important to be there for people who legitimately need them.

It was questioned as to why do malls need handicapped spaces if malls are so large anyways? I speak from experience. My ex-girlfriend of a few years ago (actually, we are dating again.. but thats a different story) has a disability and she uses a scooter to get around larger areas where much walking would be involved. Sometimes there are times that we would not have her scooter in the car and we would have to go to the mall for one thing or another. Granted, it took a while to get places without it, but it was sure nice to know the spots were there.. not having to park miles away during christmas season was a great thing. Anyways, everyone's situation is different. If there is one person who legitimatelly needs that parking spot, then it should be there. Its the people who abuse them that really ticks me (and her) off. She also does not abuse it either.. if we are travelling with her scooter.. there is no need for her to use it, even though she has the tags. I would think, however, for people with wheelchairs that have the vans with the lift platforms that they need those spots anywhere they go since most spots have extra wide spaces to accomodate for such vehicles. Well, thats my 2 cents on the subject..

James Kern
1970 F250 4x4

 

Also, just to add.. when I used to bowl alot, there was a league which one of its members was in a wheelchair... he probably could out bowl me with his eyes shut!

James Kern
1970 F250 4x4

 

It,s a little off subject, but I often see people drive around and around in a parking lot waiting for a spot that will save them walking a few feet. I have pulled into a parking lot behind a car, parked in the back of the lot (which I usually do), and walked to the store, and the car will still be circling the lot waiting for that close spot - then some man or woman who is 40 pounds over weight will get out and waddle into the store. Just an observation - really none of my business.
Dono

 

I'm glad you brought this up again.

Here is a thread I started back in April.

[link:www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID109/3236.html|Disabled Parking Spots]

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Honolulu had a sting operation over handicapped stalls last year. It made big news because the people caught abusing the privilege were polititians, their girlfriends, their staff, and most of all, the people that issue the placards in the first place. Almost all the gummint employess from the office had them, along with their families. The reason given by their spokesman was, "Too hard to find parking near the workplace." As so many city councilmen and legislators were involved, the whole issue was quickly swept under the rug. I never heard of any convictions, anyways. On the other hand, My buddy is severely dis-abled, yet can only get his permit for six months at a time. Could be one of the reasons this election we booted a bunch of the democraps out.

 

People WITH placards that have REAL handicaps abuse them too. HOW? I was giving a ride to an old man who can barely walk at all. We were doing his errands (dry cleaning, etc.), with me leaving him in the car at each stop & doing the legwork for him. He also needed to get some stamps before I took him home, so we stopped at the Post Office. As I waited briefly for a parking space to open, he said "Just park in the handicap spot, I have my placard with" and he pulled it out and started to hang it on my mirror. I stopped him and said that unless he was getting out to get the stamps (which I knew he wasn't), that was cheating and I wouldn't do it.

 

i think thars more handicapped parking places than thar r
handicapped people in this world!!! and that last post man thats a littel much anint it i mean if the guy had the sticker well y not use it?? i mean i have a sticker i use cuz of my knee that i doint need all the time but i will lent it to famly members to use if they r going to a BIG mall or somthing i personaly think handicapped parking places r a JOKE

but thats only my .02 cents





01 sport trac 4x4 black
97 explorer xlt AWD v8 blue
91 f-250 xlt lariat 4x4 blue/gray
84 ranger xlt 4x4 black
94 explorer xlt 4x4 purple/gray
96 explorer limited 4x4 green

 

Maybe some day you might end up in a wheelchair and there is a foot of snow on the ground.

Have fun !


Good for You ! BeeGees,
I wish more people took that stance.



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In regards to why have handicap parking stalls in business that require a person to do alot of walking, it's the law. If you have a business, you have to have a handicap parking space, even at the gym. The ADA, Americans With Disabilies Act, sees to it. Not only do you have to have a parking stall but also have to have handicap access once inside the business such as isles, door ways and wheelchair ramps to accomodate a wheelchair or a person who can't climb stairs. If not, a person with a disability can sue and the ADA will force you to comply. There are some who abuse this law by going to a business even if they have no interest in that business just to see if they can find any violations. If they do, they sue, get money and move on the the next business. Sometimes it just doesn't make any sense. We had one such person that made the headlines in the paper. Going up and down the California coast line just looking for easy money here out west.

 

I know that when I take my grandma to dialysis I feel bad for just parking in a handicapped spot when I don't have a placard, but I know she couldnt get to some of the other places there to park. I don't understand how people can park there and know they are hindering someone else who truly has a disability.

 

>It,s a little off subject, but I often see people drive
>around and around in a parking lot waiting for a spot that
>will save them walking a few feet. I have pulled into a
>parking lot behind a car, parked in the back of the lot
>(which I usually do), and walked to the store, and the car
>will still be circling the lot waiting for that close spot -
>then some man or woman who is 40 pounds over weight will get
>out and waddle into the store. Just an observation - really
>none of my business.
>Dono


I see this going on with patrons of a HEALTH CLUB ! ! ! Not just us 'Big Boned' folk.