Alaska Sunrise

I use a Handicapped parking pass. I am shocked at how many people use these stalls while waiting for friends, wives, husbands, etc. at the malls. I really don't care parking further away because I can use the excersise. But I really hate seeing older handicapped people have to park further away because some abled-bodied (mind deprived) won't move out of the way. It seems to be getting a lot worse lately, and it really bugs me!

annabelle

I have one....I never use it now that I can walk again. I know it came in handy when my Wife or Mom had to wheel me somewhere when I was in a chair. I think most of the people who use HC passes should be ashamed of themselves (they need some exercise). If they ever had to be confined to a chair they would know what HC really feels like! I save the HC spaces for folks in a wheel chair.....they need them! If I see the situation you speak of I get the store manager or call the police......it's illegal.

pind

I can understand the bad feelings toward ignorant people like that.

When I see someone using a handicap parking stall, who is obviously NOT handicapped in any way. I simply wait until they exit their vehicle, and yell across the parking lot.. " HEY ********!!! THOSE SPACES ARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED!!!! "

You would be amazed at how many of them slink back into their cars, and leave.

Guess I'm one of those rude people too huh???

Have a good one.

turbopilot51

Why are there 15 handicap spaces when only five are used at the most?

annabelle

Wouldn't need so many if the healthy idiots would stay out of them.

mikmaze

I hate the people that pull right up to the sidewalk and wait while someone is inside..... lazy in the way and in need of a good soot job !

Asher

it's either a federal or state mandate. In my area you have to have 1 HC space for every 25 regular spaces. I have no problem allowing most HC people use those spaces. The ones I have a problem with is the punk kids that are driving grandmas car and pull into them (when grandma isn't there), this gets really bad around the holiday seasons.

BUT life is too short to worry about these things, either the law will eventually catch them or they will get whats coming to them... I am a firm believer in "what goes around comes around"... and if I worried about every inconsiderate J/A around me, I would have a heart attack...

Alaska Sunrise, sorry to hear about your troubles. If that is you in your av. then I completely understand your right to park in the front. I would say if you see the problem recurring in a certain area more then others then write the store a letter (send it certified for some reason it scares them), and contact the government foundation that is in charge of HC spots.. Sorry I don't remember the name, but I know there is a "hot line" number because the guy I use to work with called on my company for not making him a HC spot in the back lot (and he deserved one).

HayHauler1

This is a pet peve of mine. I can't believe that so many people think that being FAT is a handicap! Heck, I'm 290 lbs and I park as far away as possible. I can use the exercise AND the space should be reserved for someone truely handicapped.
I usually yell something like "MUST BE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, HUH!!??" since they just skipped into the store or mall....
Then I get one of those punches in the shoulder from the wife...

Hay

Totallyrad

Asher's correct, it's a federal law that the number of handicapped spaces are determined by the total number of parking spaces. As far as the young folks using grandma's car, if the handicapped person isn't with them, it's a ticketing offense.

AS, I had this conversation (one sided) with a group at our church last night. Had to remind folks that if you're not handicapped, please be considerate of those who are and get some exercise, park in the regular lot, not in the HC spots. Wish I had the money for every HC ticket I ever wrote. It was/is a pet peeve of mine.

RoadDiesel

HA!!! Law-lessness ...IT will get worse !!! Just wait !!!

I've seen Idiots that moved to USA from their country..and they still drive according to their county No standards..I was going the same direction he was, & he must have been going 50 -55 in a 30 mph housing area..darting in & out of traffic, red lighting..Jerk !!

Today the Victim is the one who drives the posted speed Limit !!!

chaikwa

You got the chapter and section for those laws? (inside joke!)

chaikwa.

bnold

Surpirsed it took 8 posts for this to come up... My biggest pet peave is FAT people in handi spaces!!! And FAT people riding around in motorized carts... AND FAT people recieving diability because they are too FAT!! Ahhhh!!!

turbopilot51

I have no problem with spaces dedicated to handicap parking. The problem I have is the 15 to 20 spaces maked off and fewer than 5 are are ever used. The government mandate on how many spaces per parking lot is a typical example of goverment gone wild. I beleive people who need ADA parking should be able to park close to the entrance of the store. But not a third of the parking lot marked off.

annabelle

Around here they always seem to be full.....I think one of the problems are the Doctors who authorize people who don't really need them to get them. I know that when we submit for a building permit we have to show the correct number of HC spaces or we will have them returned for correction.

Totallyrad

According to ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)(http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.6) as amended in 2002, the guidelines may be found below.

On the surface it seems pretty straight forward but depending on the type of facility, public, private, government, etc, it can be very confusing and quite detailed.


.1.2 Accessible Sites and Exterior Facilities: New Construction. An accessible site shall meet the following minimum requirements:

(1) At least one accessible route complying with 4.3 shall be provided within the boundary of the site from public transportation stops, accessible parking spaces, passenger loading zones if provided, and public streets or sidewalks, to an accessible building entrance.

(2) (a) At least one accessible route complying with 4.3 shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

(b)* Court Sports: An accessible route complying with 4.3 shall directly connect both sides of the court in court sports. Advisory Note

(3) All objects that protrude from surfaces or posts into circulation paths shall comply with 4.4.

EXCEPTION: The requirements of 4.4 shall not apply within an area of sport activity.

(4) Ground surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible spaces shall comply with 4.5.

EXCEPTION 1*: The requirements of 4.5 shall not apply within an area of sport activity. Appendix Note

EXCEPTION 2*: Animal containment areas designed and constructed for public use shall not be required to provide stable, firm, and slip resistant ground and floor surfaces and shall not be required to comply with 4.5.2.Appendix Note

(5) (a) If parking spaces are provided for self-parking by employees or visitors, or both, then accessible spaces complying with 4.6 shall be provided in each such parking area in conformance with the table below. Spaces required by the table need not be provided in the particular lot. They may be provided in a different location if equivalent or greater accessibility, in terms of distance from an accessible entrance, cost and convenience is ensured.

Total Parking in Lot Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
1 to 25... 1 space
26 to 50... 2 spaces
51 to 75... 3 spaces
76 to 100... 4 spaces
101 to 150... 5 spaces
151 to 200... 6 spaces
201 to 300... 7 spaces
301 to 400... 8 spaces
401 to 500... 9 spaces
501 to 1000... 2 percent of total
1001 and over 20 plus 1 for each 100 over 1000

Except as provided in (b), access aisles adjacent to accessible spaces shall be 60 in (1525 mm) wide minimum.

(b) One in every eight accessible spaces, but not less than one, shall be served by an access aisle 96 in (2440 mm) wide minimum and shall be designated "van accessible" as required by 4.6.4. The vertical clearance at such spaces shall comply with 4.6.5. All such spaces may be grouped on one level of a parking structure.
EXCEPTION: Provision of all required parking spaces in conformance with "Universal Parking Design" (see appendix A4.6.3) is permitted.
(c) If passenger loading zones are provided, then at least one passenger loading zone shall comply with 4.6.6.

(d) At facilities providing medical care and other services for persons with mobility impairments, parking spaces complying with 4.6 shall be provided in accordance with 4.1.2(5)(a) except as follows:

(i) Outpatient units and facilities: 10 percent of the total number of parking spaces provided serving each such outpatient unit or facility;

(ii) Units and facilities that specialize in treatment or services for persons with mobility impairments: 20 percent of the total number of parking spaces provided serving each such unit or facility.

(e)* Valet parking: Valet parking facilities shall provide a passenger loading zone complying with 4.6.6 located on an accessible route to the entrance of the facility. Paragraphs 5(a), 5(b), and 5(d) of this section do not apply to valet parking facilities. Appendix Note