A Hummer parked in a Disabled-only parking space - WTF?

[begin_within]

My pet peeve is people who abuse the disabled placard. They park in a disabled parking space when they don't have a disabled person with them in the car. I have one of these placards, but I use it only when my 87-year-old mother is with me.

It just burns me up when I see someone take the space we were going to use, hang their placard from the rear-view mirror, then get out of the car and they are all alone and obviously able-bodied. Then we have to park on the other side of the parking lot and I have to get my Mom into the wheelchair in a tight parking space.

To use the placard without the disabled person being with you is actually against California law, according to the paperwork that came with our placard.

Today I went to the bank, and there was a Hummer parked in the handicapped space. There was nobody in the Hummer. They had the placard hanging from their rear view mirror, so in theory they were legally parked. However, it begs the question: if the person riding in the car with them was so disabled that they need a disabled parking permit, how did they get that person into - and out of - the Hummer?

To get into a Hummer requires two large steps up: one to the footrest on the outside and then another to get up into the vehicle. These are both pretty high steps. I just wonder, who is the disabled person that requires the disabled placard, and if they are that disabled, how did they get in and out of the Hummer?

Unfortunately I didn't have time to wait around and see who the person or people were. My Mom was waiting in the car so I left right away. Even with the air conditioning running in the car, I don't want to keep her waiting. However, I go to this bank about 3 times per week, and would like to leave a note on that Hummer if I see it parked there again. Any suggestions on what I should say in the note?

[sbj405]

1. Our parking at work allows free parking with a disabled tag.

The abuse is astounding. People who are perfectly capable of walking miles around a mall are "disabled" so long as there is free parking.

[LeftyMom]

2. I saw the same thing at my bank a while back

Turned out that one of the tellers, who is a tiny woman in her 50s with heart trouble, is driving it because her husband decided to trade in thier minivan. I can't imagine how she gets in and out of it just because of her size (I'm guessing she's 4'11" or 5' even- she's definitely shorter than me and I'm 5'2") but her disability limits her stamina more than her ability to step up into a large vehicle.

[fudge stripe cookays]

3. Don't ASSUME someone is able-bodied just because you see them walk in.

I have MS. I am relatively mobile, but in this heat, I cannot walk more than a few feet into the store. My legs begin weakening, and then feel like Jell-O before I have finished 15 minutes of shopping.

I have not had a handicap tag up until now, but I am going to have to order one soon. It is not your job to play watchdog. Let the police monitor this.

The first person that comes up and accosts me about being "able bodied" when I am shuffling into a store is going to get an earful, I can assure you.

[Beaverhausen]

4. thanks for posting that

People shouldn't assume that all health issues are visible to the naked eye.

[fudge stripe cookays]

8. Hi B!

:hi:

I used to think the same thing he did until I got sick. It's amazing how it changes your perspective.

[Beaverhausen]

46. Yes, until I met someone with MS, I too didn't know much about it

I have recently met people with all sorts of these diseases (MS, MD, Fibromyalgia, etc.) where some days are better than others as far as physical actvity is concerned. I am glad that I have a better understanding of what people go through, and I too never again question anyone with that handicapped placard.

:hug:

[begin_within]

5. Fine, but it still begs the question, what are they doing with a Hummer?

[fudge stripe cookays]

6. Who says MS sufferers have to drive wrecks?

I'm not defending their choice of vehicle-- I hate Hummers. But what gives you the right to decide what they drive?

And how do you know if they are suffering from soemthing? You don't.

[begin_within]

11. If their problem is stamina, so that they are tired when they come out of

the bank - so tired that they need a parking space close to the door - then why are they using a car which requires such effort to get into? Of course it's not up to me to decide which car they drive, but why would they make it worse for themselves by using a car which takes some real effort for a disabled person to get into?

[fudge stripe cookays]

18. You don't get it.

It doesn't require stamina for me to make a little hop up into the cab of a high vehicle or pull my self up by my arms with a little bar for the purpose.

It requires stamina for me to shuffle the distance from the car into the store, around the store, and back out to the car.

NOT EVERYONE WHO IS DISABLED FITS YOUR NARROW DEFINITION OF "DISABLED."

But they are still disabled in a way that prevents them from getting around as well as regular healthhy folks.

Not all disabled people have walkers, or wheelchairs, or ride on gurneys. We come in all shapes and sizes and ages, and we all have verying degrees of difficulty we have to deal with every day.

It is not your job to judge if I can or can't make it into the building from where I park. It is also not your job to select the vehicle that I drive.

[MiniMandaRuth]

19. Hear, hear.

:applause:

[begin_within]

21. You're wrong - it does require stamina for you to make a "little" hop up

into the cab of a high vehicle, if you have a stamina problem, and after walking around the store or bank. You're already winded, your muscles are deprived of oxygen, and you are going to have a difficult time getting up into that Hummer. I do get it, despite your opinion, and you're trying to defend the actions of someone who is very likely abusing the disabled placard priviliges. No matter what the disability is, a Hummer is only going to make life harder for that person.

[fudge stripe cookays]

24. You have no idea...

the extent of someone's disability. Unless you are living in their bodies, you will never know why they are parked in that space.

I have no problem with my breathing or with my arms. They're fine. I do not get "winded" walking around the store...my legs just don't want to work as well as they usually do. They don't STOP working, they just aren't as good at it.

I used to own a big V8 truck. I remember the effort it took to get into it. It wasn't bad. I could still do it. But running a marathon? Out of the question.

As I said....you need to quit judging those who you consider to be mis-using your precious handicapped space. Chances are, they have MS or some other malady that is invisible to you. By doing so, you make yourself look like an insensitive jackass. And if you are ever stupid enough to approach me and give me grief, you will get an earful, believe me.

[jane_pippin]

27. The point is you don't know for sure what it's like for someone else

and until you do, you really don't get to make a judgment on what a physically disabled person is or is not able to do with their body.

I agree with you--Hummer's are pretty stupid cars for anybody to drive. However, people still drive them, maybe even someone with a disability or someone who has a disabled person in the family who gets rides in the car.

As far as physical ability goes, my dad has MS. 85% of the time, his muscles are ok. They might get a little numb a few days a week, but he's generally ok. He walks all over the neighborhood with the dog, he rides his bike to the store, and in winter he uses a stationary bike to keep his strength up.He wants to be active for as long as he can. His ability to do all that doesn't make him less disabled. He could get in and out of a big vehicle with little to no help. Doing so might cause a little discomfort but nothing major. What will be problematic for him is if he gets out of this Hummer and then walks around in the hot, humid weather for a few hours--at a festival or something like that, say. He'll need to take a few breaks to sit down here and there, and when he gets home he'll probably use his massage thing on his legs for a while. He'd be happy to have a car nearby at the end of his time at the festival.

A Hummer probably isn't the wisest of vehicle choices for a variety of reasons, but if it had to be done it could be, and it wouldn't really be that big of a deal. People don't always make the best choices, and on top of it, what if the person was diagnosed with something after already owning the thing?

I'm absolutely not defending someone who is really abusing the spot--if that's the case here, then this Bank-Hummer person is a jerk. However, you really don't know what the situation is. Your heart is in the right place, but I guess it would be nice if you considered other possibilities and other experiences before jumping to conclusions and acting on them.

[Susang]

30. I can't believe this

You, an able bodied person, telling FSC, a disabled person, what her disability makes her capable of. That's got to be the most fucked up thing I've read on DU in a long, long time. Congratulations, you take the cake.

[barb162]

36. My sister-in-law has MS and drives a van .

It's hard to get into but her problem is not that as much as it is she is in constant bad pain and mostly in her feet. She also gets this sudden weakness where she needs to sit down fast or she will fall down. Otherwise she walks and acts like she is in perfect shape. My heart goes out to you

[fudge stripe cookays]

45. Thanks.

I used to love working in my garden, and could still do it even in 104 degrees with lots of sunblock and lots of water.

It looks like a jungle out there now. Haven't been out since last May.

[AlienGirl]

38. Being disabled doesn't preclude someone from being a JERK.

[LeftyMom]

7. That's happened to my mother

She's had people leave snotty notes on her car or yell at her. They have no idea that she's got several conditions that don't show, any one of which would qualify her for a disabled placard.

[fudge stripe cookays]

9. It's amazing how insensitive...

people can be over something as stupid as a freaking parking space when they are cranky or in a hurry. :eyes:

[begin_within]

12. But does she drive a Hummer, and if so, how does she get into it?

[LeftyMom]

17. No, but she could get into one just fine most days.

Her disability doesn't generally prevent her from climbing stairs, so she'd be able to climb into a big truck (whether a Hummer or one of those enormous double cab things prosperous shitkickers buy.) Walking long distances, carrying anything that weighs more than a few pounds and sitting or standing uninterrupted are much more problematic for her.

[Name removed]

20. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[asthmaticeog]

10. THANK YOU.

My dad had a heart condition that left him winded when he walked any significant distance - he'd have to stop and take a break when traversing his house, fuxsakes, and we didn't have a very big house. But when people saw him park in the handicapped spot - a privilege that he was absolutely qualified for - and get out of his car on foot, they'd shoot him eyedaggers, like they were supreme judge and jury of all Handicaptopia. Once I was with him helping him out of the car by the arm when some jagoff made a snide remark, and I started lighting into the fucker but dad stopped me. He got to be pretty zen towards the end.

[begin_within]

15. If someone gets winded so fast that they need the placard, why would they

use a Hummer, which requires some real effort to get into? My problem is not with your dad or anyone else who legitimately uses the placard - it's the anomaly of the placard in a Hummer - a car which would in my opinion, be the worst possible choice for a disabled person!

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jane_pippin]

13. Exactly

:thumbsup:

and to the OP:

My dad has MS and like FSC, he has trouble walking in the heat. If you saw him getting out of a car, you probably wouldn't label him as "disabled." But he is, and we have been harassed by well meaning people about taking up a disabled space when we've needed to use it. I know you mean well, and of course people who really are abusing it are rude and out of line for doing it, but please be careful about making assumptions based on appearance.

As for why a person with a disability might own a Hummer--well, having a disease doesn't necessarily negate poor taste in vehicles.

edit: And please don't try to say "how would they get into a Hummer." My dad could probably do it if he had to. He rides his bike all over the place and is generally pretty physically active. It helps him keep his strength so that he doesn't always need the disabled space. In other words, he could do it, but it some days it'd be way easier to do than others.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

14. I know people who look able bodied...

But have heart conditions and are prone to blood pressure problems. That statement is just uninformed and judging a book by it's cover. You can't take some things at face value.
Duckie

[mr blur]

40. Absolutely right.

I have MS too - no-one can tell by looking at me. I've learned that if someone is showing a Disabled badge then they get the benefit of the doubt. It's really not that easy to get one over here, and it makes no difference how much money you have or how big your car is.

[REP]

43. I Just Ask, "So, Where Did You Go To Medical School?"

It doesn't happen often, but once in a great while, someone (usually another hcap parker!) flies out to give me the third degree about just why I'm parking where I'm parking. I'm young(ish) and my kidney failure isn't real obvious unless you know to look for the the swollen eyelids and most of the time I don't need to use my cane but my doctor thought I was entitled to an hcap placard, and he got his degree from the University of Chicago!

[txwhitedove]

16. People with emphysema look ok until they start dragging the oxygen around.

I always thought a Chevy Tahoe was an over-sized boat, until it was the only
thing I could rent to drive between MS and TX to haul my belongings. Guess
what? That Tahoe was the most comfortable, relaxing drive ever. The car
drove itself! Made me understand why people buy them despite the price.

[begin_within]

22. Sorry folks - no matter what the disability is, a Hummer is only going to

make life harder for the disabled person. I still don't buy it, and I won't buy it at all, unless I actually see this person and watch them get back into the Hummer.

[Name removed]

26. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[nini]

28. While you may have been wrong on the assumption of no disablity..

of some folks you see getting out of a car that is parked in a disabled spot, but I agree with you on questioning just how disabled someone is if they can get in and out of a car such as a hummer.


Where I work there is a Ford 250 truck that is raised beyond the already high level. Most people would need a ladder to get in out and of it. It parks in the handicapped spot. As someone with a disabilty I have wondered how the hell they get in and out of that thing and if they are the legitmate owner of that disabled placard.

You could be wrong, I could be wrong, but wondering is your right.

[Susang]

32. Is judging his right too?

I have CFS and just had two back surgeries in the past six months. I look perfectly fit and normal, but I'm in excrutiating pain most days. Believe it or not, stepping up into a car is much easier for me than lowering myself into a normal car. Is it okay to judge me for what I drive when I use my temporary permit? Sorry, but that just doesn't seem right to me.

Here's a site that might help you understand a little better: http://www.mychronicillness.com/invisibleillness/home.htm

[nini]

48. Did I say 'judge'?

Look.. I know what pain is. I've been in pain every day since Feb 3rd, 1985 - I do not need a lecture from any other disabled person on this board as to the challenges of what life is like when you have limitations and constant pain. I fucking live it every day.

My point is and most of what the OP's was (though maybe poorly worded) is even though I am the target of 'those looks' from others when I park in a handicapped space from time to time - I am also completely aware of the abuse of those spots too by people who 'borrow' the placard or simply exaggerate their condition to get one of their own.

That being said and because I know this - I don't think it's as irrational as others here do to sometimes look at a car like a Hummer that is difficult to get in and out of, and 'wonder' how they do it and/or if they may not be one of those 'borrowing' the placard.

The fact I have a disability has not fried the part of my brain that is somewhat suspicious of certain folks. Possibly part of my attitude is seeing so much abuse of 'the system' while working with mildly disabled students in college. Regardless, I still/ have to wonder 'at times' and coming from someone who people surely have wondered about - that's saying something.

[chrisau214]

23. What Does the Size of the Vehicle Have to Do with the Disablity?

Isn't it possible, even likely, that the handicapped person is being helped into and out of the vehicle. Perhaps the handicapped person owned the vehicle before becoming handicapped.

As has already been pointed out not all handicaps are readily apparent. And not all handicaps involve impaired leg function. As long as the handicapped person isn't blind they should drive whatever vehicle they feel like driving. I agree it's sad that it's a Hummer but it's also possible that the size of the Hummer is beneficial to their handicap.

I drive a large van and have a handicapped son. I only park in the handicapped spot when my son is with me. According to your standards the van is surely too large for my son to comfortably get in and out of the vehicle so I must be abusing the 'priviledge' of the placard. I await the day that someone puts a note on my vehicle.




Chris

[benburch]

25. People with Emphysema might be able to get in and out...

...but not walk the large distance from the end of the lot.

My mother was like this.

[1monster]

29. Some disabilities are not visable, i.e. heart condition where walking

in the heat could cause troubles.

Yes, there is abuse of the handicapped permits, but sometimes what is thought of as abuse is simply a person whose disability is not overtly obvious.

[KitchenWitch]

31. Many disabilities are invisible

Just sayin.

[NMMNG]

34. I work with individuals who are developmentally disabled

and with individuals who are mentally ill. The vehicles used by both agencies have handicapped tags on them. They are vans, not Hummers, but the clients would be able to get into Hummers independently or with varying levels of assistance.

Don't assume that every vehicle with a handicap tag/placard belongs to somebody with a serious visible or physical handicap.

[barb162]

35. Sometimes people who look able aren't

They can walk just fine most of the time but they can have heart problems like arrythmia where the next minute they will be passed out on the ground. Now the Hummer story I just don't get. Those damn dinosaurs must be hell to get in and out of for able-bodied people. But who knows, maybe the jerks have a kid or someone in their family who is disabled. Also sometimes cancer drugs can really weaken someone though they may seem to be walking fine. It's hard to be able to draw a line but I think the person should get the benefit of the doubt.

[Nicole]

37. I hate hummers too but WTF?

I can climb up easier than I can bend down. A hummer would take less effort for me to get in than a low to the ground car. I have a friend who drives a Mustang. I can't go anywhere with her unless she drives her hubby's truck. Climbing out of a low car is much harder than a high up one. If I'm high up I can put my legs straight down, holding on to the door or bar & lower myself until my feet hit the ground. In a car I often need help getting out as my stiff knees are bent & I can't straighten them until I'm out of the car.

If you have to write a note, why not one write one to yourself?

"Not all handicaps are visually noticeable"

Stick it on your own damn visor so you can be reminded not to judge someone when you don't have a clue about them, other than your distaste for their choice of vehicles. You have no idea what they struggled with just to get to that parking spot.

[chrisau214]

41. The note he writes to himself should also include the line,

"I need to mind my own business."





Chris

[Nicole]

52. That works for me

:toast:

[CanuckAmok]

39. My late father-in-law, who was 80 and semi-paralysed from an anyeurism...

Could get in and out of my 5" lifted Toyota 4Runner (with a portable wooden step he designed himself) far more easily than in and out of a regular passenger car. Plus, even when he could stand fully-upright, he was only 5'8".

For some people with disabilities, bending down/sitting is far more difficult than stepping up or standing.

Or, maybe the guy in that Hummer has that handicap where one judges things harshly without all the information, because what one believes he sees reinforces his preconceived opinions.

That's a pretty crippling condition, but I'm not sure if they issue cards for it yet.

[REP]

42. You'd Probably Bitch About Me and My FX

I have a disabled placard for me. I'm often in an Infiniti FX. I don't have a wheelchair, but I'm disabled - I'm in kidney failure, and even minor exertion exhausts me (and makes me very ill). Am I supposed to only drive crappy cars because I'm disabled?

[WCGreen]

44. I have had a Disabled Placard for about three years now...

Before I had to start luggin my O2 tank with me at all times, I would fake a limp when I parked in the Handicapped Parking spot, well not really fake 'cause I do have a limp, just so people wouldn't get the wrong impression of me...

[LynneSin]

47. In some states, having a really small penis is considered a disability

:shrug:

I've seen that too. Most people who require handicapped parking permits usually have someone with a movement disability of some sort. So getting in and out of a hummer probably isn't something easy to do!

[Courtesy Flush]

49. I park in handicapped spaces, AND I can climb into a Hummer (I think)

It's not your job to decide who's handicapped enough for a permit, or what kind of vehicle they should drive.

I can do all kinds of things, but I can't walk very far. I'd have an easier time climbing into a Hummer than walking across a large parking lot (not that I'd buy a Hummer. It would still be an inconvenience for me).

[Sequoia]

50. Just get the license plate and call the police.

I worked at a place where I could see people parking and a man in a bright green VW bug pulled into a hanidcap and hung his sign then he came breezing in. I asked him about his handicap sign and he said he bought it because he didnd't want to mess around with parking. He was there to be a client of ours but when I told my boss about what he did, the offender was quickly dropped from consideration. I told the guy's co-worker the reason when she called up later to ask why they lost the contract bid. She asked me how he (my boss) knew and I said, I told him. And I told her, we don't do business with cheaters.

[Nicole]

53. He bought a handicap placard?

If he did, he did it illegally. The state requires a Dr. to fill out papers stating that you need one & why. Also on the form the Dr. indicates whether it's a temporary or permanent condition.

If he bought one from an individual, all you need to do is call the state with the placard number. They will fine both the individual using it & the individual it was issued to. I had mine stolen once so the state voided that permit number & issued me a new one. If anyone is caught using the old one they will be fined but I won't.

[Midlodemocrat]

51. Could be that the Hummer belongs to the driver and that the

passenger is the disabled one. I had a hanging placard that I used when I took my dad out, and I drive a van.

Possibility exists that the owner of the Hummer, (while still quite possibly a moran) isn't the owner of the placard.

[Name removed]

54. Deleted message

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[Book Lover]

55. Either you did not know this information when you first posted

or you did know and decided not to share (I can only guess why). Anyway, some comments I have:

A) Why is it necessary to tell us this guy is a marine? What's your bitch; that he's supposed to be extra-healthy, what with all that training?

B) Is it possible that you have ignored every single post here that says not all disabilities are visible?

C) If all went as you say, why didn't you move your car into the spot once he vacated it? After all, he "flew in and out," according to you.

[Nicole]

56. His story changed from his original post

So I call bullshit on all of it.

[supernova]

57. Look, I'll agree with you that handicapped spaces are too rare

In general, we need more of them.

And if this person really was able-bodied and still using the HC space, well he's just a jerk in search of a parking fine. And I'm sorry your mom was inconvenienced because of that. The next time it happens, feel free to call the cops and report the license tag #.

But it really wasn't apparent from your OP that the Hummer owner wasn't disabled enough to use it. Not every one who uses the HC space has a visible disability, as many people in this thread have mentioned.

I myself have a heart condition which causes me to get winded walking up the stairs. While I don't need the blue placard yet, I know heart patients who do. What would you suggest they do? Flash you their scars? The point is people who have limited energy have to make decisions about how and where to expend the energy they DO have. And most will tell you they'd rather expend it on the things that matter, not in the energy expended getting there.

[Nicole]

58. Thank you for the laugh

NOT!

Your original post differs quite a bit from this last post, where you are laughing at us for defending an able bodied marine.

Your last post, in italics, your first post in bold:

you people are actually defending the 22-year-old Marine who parks his Hummer in a disabled parking space,
Today I went to the bank, and there was a Hummer parked in the handicapped space. There was nobody in the Hummer.

trots in and out of the store, flies back up into the Hummer and drives off without another thought
Unfortunately I didn't have time to wait around and see who the person or people were.

- meanwhile, forcing me to find a narrow parking space on the other side of the parking lot, and struggle to get my Mom out of the car and into her wheelchair in the narrow slot between the 2 cars
My Mom was waiting in the car so I left right away

How do you know it was a marine? You said the hummer was empty when you got there & didn't have time to wait so you didn't see the driver or disabled person..
Why were you forced to struggle with getting your mom into her wheelchair,in a narrow slot, when you left her waiting in the car?

Where you at the bank, at the store or home in bed dreaming when this ocurred? :rofl:

[progmom]

59. nicely done!

:thumbsup:

[Nicole]

60. Thanks

I get so sick of the stereotyping of people using the handicapped spaces.

[Call Me Wesley]

61. Locking.

Is it just me or did it get quite hot in here? I'm turning on the AC ...

Respectfully submitted,

Call Me Wesley
DU Moderator