While we're on the subject of handicapped parking permits...

[DizBelle]

Here's a situation described to me by DH...

He goes to a local gym. There is someone that has a handicapped parking permit (temporary hang tag type). This person parks in a handicapped spot, goes into the gym, and runs on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes at a 9 to 10 minute mile pace.

DH is an 11 time Ironman triathlete and he describes this pace as comparable to his training pace. So, I don't think this person has a mobility issue.

I know that you never know what someone's issue might be that would necessitate parking in a handicapped parking spot. But, would seeing this give you pause?

The only condition I could think of would maybe be some kind of skin condition where they can't be in sunlight. Of course it doesn't really mean anything, but DH says that this person is of medium skin tone and has no apparent skin issues. I would also think that if you had a skin condition that it would warrant a permanent handicapped parking permit rather than a temporary one that would expire.

If it was a skin condition that caused sensitivity to sunlight, would the permit be limited to daylight hours? DH pretty much only goes to the gym at night and only sees this happen at night (no sun).

Even if permits cannot be limited by day/night hours, if this were you and it was a sensitivity to sunlight that allowed you to have a handicapped parking permit, could you, in good conscience, use it at night when you don't really need it?

 

[DizBelle]

Are people afraid to respond to this thread?

 

[LindaR]

I think that the real issue is that unless YOU are a law enforcement officer, this does not concern you.

Really.

I am not trying to sound harsh. A person's medical condition is private. How, why or whether YOU think they need a H/C hang tag is a moot point. THEIR doctor thinks they need one.

 

[ForAandA]

I know that when I was battling cancer, my dr. wanted to give me a permit. I still went to the gym, but would collapse afterwards.

As for people afraid of responding to this thread, I don't blame them. No offense

 

[DizBelle]

I think that the real issue is that unless YOU are a law enforcement officer, this does not concern you.

Really.

I am not trying to sound harsh. A person's medical condition is private. How, why or whether YOU think they need a H/C hang tag is a moot point. THEIR doctor thinks they need one.

So, whether or not someone is doing something illegal is only a conern for law enforcement officers?

Ok, so the next time I see a wreckless driver or know of a child being abused, I'll keep it to myself. I'm not a law enforcement officer, so it is no concern of mine.

 

[emma'smom]

Was this person taking a spot that your husband needed? If not, then I wouldn't let it bother you.

Also, my parents handicapped permits are both hang-tag types and these are the permanent tags they were issued. They don't expire. It isn't linked to license plates like some states. So it could be permanent, if it even matters.

 

[robinb]

Are people afraid to respond to this thread?

Considering how last week's thread went ... maybe .

I always snicker at myself when I try to find a close parking place when I go to the YMCA. I think that trying to park close is human nature and if the person has a handicapped parking pass it's automatic to grab that space. Who can really tell if the person really needed the space or not, but seeing someone run on a treadmill after taking a handicapped spot would indeed give me pause. The real question is: was he carrying two 5 gallon bottles of water, one on each shoulder?

 

[zachnsamsmommy]

Would it 'give me pause'? Yeah, it would. But would I do anything about it...no.

I also get irked at the people that park in the 'expectant and new mother' parking places, but I don't feel it is my place to say anything. And I was the most irked when I needed that space trying to wrangle two kids, and one was in an infant carrier.

But I just don't think it is my business...the store/establishment's responsibility IMO...

 

[DizBelle]

Was this person taking a spot that your husband needed? If not, then I wouldn't let it bother you.

Also, my parents handicapped permits are both hang-tag types and these are the permanent tags they were issued. They don't expire. It isn't linked to license plates like some states. So it could be permanent, if it even matters.

Again, as long as it is not MY child being abused or ME that is harmed by the wreckless driver, I "won't let it bother me."

 

[LindaR]

Did you start this thread for a particular reason?

Child abuse and reckless driving are far different (dangerous and illegal) than a parking offense! Not in the same category at all.

 

[DizBelle]

Considering how last week's thread went ... maybe .

I always snicker at myself when I try to find a close parking place when I go to the YMCA. I think that trying to park close is human nature and if the person has a handicapped parking pass it's automatic to grab that space. Who can really tell if the person really needed the space or not, but seeing someone run on a treadmill after taking a handicapped spot would indeed give me pause. The real question is: was he carrying two 5 gallon bottles of water, one on each shoulder?

 

[DizBelle]

Did you start this thread for a particular reason?

Child abuse and reckless driving are far different (dangerous and illegal) than a parking offense! Not in the same category at all.

I started it because I thought it was an interesting subject and wanted to know what others thought. This is a discussion board after all.

So, some laws are ok to break but other aren't?

If it is ok to break this law, why is it a law?

 

[tinatark]

Maybe, likely, the handicapped permit is for his ill wife/partner/mother/aunt/sister/brother - he uses it when he's out alone because parking closer will enable him to get finished quicker, enabling him to get "home" to the handicapped person sooner?

I know that sounds far fetched, but it is a likely excuse for abusing the permit - which happens more often than people on the DIS would like to consider.

 

[RitaE]

But if he has a handicapped sticker - he isn't breaking the law.

I might wonder why but in the end the why is really between him and the Doctor who approved it. I really look at it as one of those things that I just have to fight my more nastier human instincts to want to know everything about everyone whether or not it is any of my business and choose the nice route and assume there is probably a good reason.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest that when this happens again your husband take down the serial number of the tag (which is in large numbers) and take action to at least determine if the tag has been legally issued to that person. If the tag has not been issued to that specific person, he is in violation of the law for misuse of the tag and (a) it may be confiscated by the police, and (b) he would be subject to a fine (which, in Florida is $250). If he wishes, he can provide the information to the police (on their non-emergency number) and let them take it from there.

 

[Mandychelle79]

But if he has a handicapped sticker - he isn't breaking the law.

Actually he very well may be. I would wonder if the tag was actually his and not someone else in the family. If he was using it and it is not his, he is breaking the law. Mom at times has dad's placard in the car. There is only one time I can remember her using it without dad with her. She had my gma who just had her knee replaced with her.

 

[sjs314]

Here's a situation described to me by DH...

He goes to a local gym. There is someone that has a handicapped parking permit (temporary hang tag type). This person parks in a handicapped spot, goes into the gym, and runs on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes at a 9 to 10 minute mile pace.

DH is an 11 time Ironman triathlete and he describes this pace as comparable to his training pace. So, I don't think this person has a mobility issue.

I know that you never know what someone's issue might be that would necessitate parking in a handicapped parking spot. But, would seeing this give you pause?

The only condition I could think of would maybe be some kind of skin condition where they can't be in sunlight. Of course it doesn't really mean anything, but DH says that this person is of medium skin tone and has no apparent skin issues. I would also think that if you had a skin condition that it would warrant a permanent handicapped parking permit rather than a temporary one that would expire.

If it was a skin condition that caused sensitivity to sunlight, would the permit be limited to daylight hours? DH pretty much only goes to the gym at night and only sees this happen at night (no sun).

Even if permits cannot be limited by day/night hours, if this were you and it was a sensitivity to sunlight that allowed you to have a handicapped parking permit, could you, in good conscience, use it at night when you don't really need it?

For what it is worth, I too have a temporary hang type handicapped parking tag, I was issued a permenant one but the DMV is temporary out of them so until they get more in I am using a Temporary one.

I know your frustration in feeling someone is parking using a handicap space when he does not seem to need it, I use to think the same way before I needed to get one myself. You just do not know the circumstances so it is really not of your concern. I look healthy but I have a heart condition and breathing problems so especially in the extreme heat or cold it is not good for me to walk great distances in the elements.

 

[DizBelle]

But if he has a handicapped sticker - he isn't breaking the law.

I might wonder why but in the end the why is really between him and the Doctor who approved it. I really look at it as one of those things that I just have to fight my more nastier human instincts to want to know everything about everyone whether or not it is any of my business and choose the nice route and assume there is probably a good reason.

Maybe this thread will likely enlighten and educate some people who would more likely assume they were abusing the permit than think there may be a legitimate reason they have it.

I did say there may be a reason they have it. Even in this situation, I don't assume they don't have a legitimate reason for having the permit. Given the demonstrated behavior of this person, I'm wondering what it might be.

Given that this person ran hard on a treadmill for 30 minutes, I may wonder more about their need for a permit than someone just shopping at the grocery store.

There is NOTHING wrong with wondering about situations.

 

[DisMN]

But if he has a handicapped sticker - he isn't breaking the law.

I might wonder why but in the end the why is really between him and the Doctor who approved it. I really look at it as one of those things that I just have to fight my more nastier human instincts to want to know everything about everyone whether or not it is any of my business and choose the nice route and assume there is probably a good reason.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[DizBelle]

For what it is worth, I too have a temporary hang type handicapped parking tag, I was issued a permenant one but the DMV is temporary out of them so until they get more in I am using a Temporary one.

I know your frustration in feeling someone is parking using a handicap space when he does not seem to need it, I use to think the same way before I needed to get one myself. You just do not know the circumstances so it is really not of your concern. I look healthy but I have a heart condition and breathing problems so especially in the extreme heat or cold it is not good for me to walk great distances in the elements.

I'm not frustrated, just wondering.

Correct, I do not know the circumstances. I never suggested I did. My grandfather had black lung (i.e. respiratory problems) so I know about the non-apparent issues that may be the reason for someone needing a closer parking space.

But, wouldn't you think that if a person can run hard on a treadmill for 30 minutes that they can walk an additional 50 feet to and from their car? (Note: I am still not dismissing that may be a skin condition that this person has which necessitates their parking closer.)

It is apparent that it isn't a mobility issue that this person has. I suggested a skin condition and needing to not be in the sun. For the education of everyone that may read this thread, does anyone know of any other non-mobility issues for which someone may be issued a handicapped parking permit? Maybe it will keep someone from sneering at someone parking in a handicapped spot who "appears" to not need it.