Manners Matter: Handicap Parking

Public domain image.

Dear Readers,

I’m not going to answer a question today, but rather, comment on a post I saw while scrolling through Facebook.

A local mother had to ask publicly that no one park illegally in the disabled parking spot at her child’s school. Anyone who has been through driver’s ed, who drives a car, who is over four years old should know this. Those spots are reserved for people who have physical challenges and need space for wheelchairs and walkers or to simply be closer to the door. Not only it is illegal to park in a space when you don’t have the appropriate permit/authorization, it is such bad form!

So for those of you who may be unclear on whether you should park in a space that is reserved for disabled parking (the ones with the blue metal sign with the picture of a white wheelchair and a large white painted wheelchair in the center of the space itself), here is a helpful list:

1) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space if you just have to run in somewhere for a quick two minutes.

2) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space if you can’t find a parking space elsewhere.

3) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space if you simply know someone who uses a walker.

4) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space if it’s more convenient for you.

5) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space if you skipped that particular chapter in driver’s education.

6) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space if you feel your time is more valuable than someone else’s time.

7) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space by pretending not to know because of the snow.

8) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space just because you don’t think it’s a big deal.

9) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space if you stubbed your toe in your martial arts class.

10) It is not acceptable to park in a disabled space due to the fact that you are running 15 minutes behind schedule.

That about sums it up. If that doesn’t deter you, hopefully someone will notify the police, and you will receive a large fine.

Good luck,

Mary Pat