Get Out of my Space

Can you tell what kind of day I had? Generally, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but some people really flaunt their inconsiderateness. I've only been out of the house a handful of times since I can't drive. Today Mike was off (he worked Friday) and the kids were away so we ran a few errands.

I live in a state heavily populated by the elderly so it's not uncommon to have trouble getting a close space. I've been glared or even yelled at for parking in a disabled space because at first glance they only see a young mom. I'm glad they care whether the privilege is being abused, but let's go over this again: Everyone listening?
Not all handicapped people are old.
Some of us have nice cars.
Some of us have families.
We do not live in parking lots, but we sure do use them!
I digress, I understand that it's hard to tell when a disabled space is being abused in some cases, but there doesn't seem to be anyone checking for this abuse. Mike read me an article about how many people admit to using a relative or spous's permit. There were also people granted temporary tags that renewed them. Why was it so easy for the paper to get this information, but no law enforcement agency seems to be able to do it?

We circled the parking lot for about 5mins before we pulled into an open space, the farthest row from the curb. I unfolded my walker and scooted my non-weight bearing butt out of the car. As I hopped past the full disabled spaces I noticed at least 3 vehicles with no disabled tags of any kind. Give me a break. One sure footed gentlemen clammered into a large van. Mike sneered and spat "he doesn't look disabled." Wait a minute, it might be on the license plate. It was.

What does that prove? Just that the registered owner of the car is permanently disabled. Is that him? No idea. Could he have been suffering from a heart defect or other less visible affliction making it difficult for him to march 100ft to that door? Maybe. I on the other hand am 3wks post op and all the hopping is making my leg cramp. Once I did get to the building there were people smoking outside so I was holding my breath as I hopped, not easy. When my bussiness was complete it was a long hop back to the curb and by the time I got there tears were welling up in my eyes. Mike pulled the car around for me.

What Mike and I think would help would be some sort of priority rating. Top level within 3 weeks of major surgery, severe physical limitations, severe heart issues, etc. Next Level less severe versions of all of these. So on down the line they could be color coded and arranged with degrees of closeness. For people whose conditions would be improved from walking a few feet put them a few more spaces down.

What about people using grandma's tag? Report them! If it's obivous (in my state your driver's license number is printed on the permit) or there's a serious doubt don't let them get away with it. Please don't put yourself in danger. Get their plates to the authorities or tell someone who works in the building the parking lot is for and let them tow them. People have been clearly warned about being fined or towed when they park there so don't feel bad. You're saving someone like me an afternoon in bed recovering from an unnecessary over exertion instead of playing with her kids (or being any part of their day).