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Monday, July 21, 2008

Handicapped Hanging Tags And Driving

I don't know about other parts of the world, but here in my part, Baltimore, you can get a handicapped tag if you're wind burned! That must be the case, because I think everyone has one. If you are over 55 you can get one by asking your family doctor. Do you ever watch people jockey for position with the handicapped spaces. It's like a badge of honor to park in one. I've seen people wait for one to open up when there are un-handicapped spots all over the place!

I have had one for a while. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 20 years ago, and have had problems for at least 25. I wanted to get the one that hangs on the rear view mirror for a few reasons. First, it transfers to any car you are driving in. Second, you don't drive down the road with everyone saying, "look, he's handicapped!" My pals like me to drive with them, as long as I have my tag! Some things that drive me crazy, and yes there are a few, don't drive with it hanging on the mirror! It says so right on the tag. That's great to see someone all over the road as they try to look around the tag and their dog!

There is nothing better then coming across a vocal senior citizen who decides you don't have a right to be handicapped. Why do you have a tag, or there is nothing wrong with you, and those spots are for the elderly are among my favs. Ah old people, ya gotta love em! Actually, I don't have to love old people. I have always prided myself in being a respectful person, in particular with people older than myself. I do however draw a line in the sand. Don't push me, and don't impose your views on me without exception. I'm sure people see a 6'5" man with his hair in a ponytail and 300 pounds and don't automatically think, that's too bad, he's too young for that. I'm a good looking guy too, just ask my mother!

There needs to be a little tighter hold on these types of tags. I think if you have one, you should have to pass a mini driving test every year. Watch the people who have them for easy parking turn them back in! I've seen people trying to get out of their cars that should not be driving that 2 ton weapon around my kids. We have a guy that is so fat, I have seen him fall asleep half way into the store because he is exhausted from getting out of his truck, which may, or may not be parked out of the road. I know there is a time when driving will not be my thing, I just wish others did as well. Just leave me alone when I try to enjoy the driving time I have left!

10 comments:

mdmhvonpa said...

Heh ... I have a perma-hp as a license plate ... you cannot imagine the crap I get from ppl for not being 'crippled enough' and having one. I usually note that I get to work so early, I could park 10 feet closer to the building but I use one of the 11 unused hp spots so you should be thanking me!

Char / Stitchary! said...

I don't have my sticker yet but am planning on it. I generally park in the closest spot I can that is not handicapped. On good days, it doesn't matter...on bad ones? If someone thinks I'm not disabled enough, perhaps I should bean 'em with my cane. LOL

awb said...

Me and the Mrs. went to a flea market and this elderly woman gave me a fit because my tag didn't look like hers. So I'm standing there in my AFL brace, using my cane, being grilled by this woman sitting on a park bench, acting as the parking police. Turns out her tag was a temporary one, and it had expired 4 years earlier! Vengeance is mine! Of course they frown on pulling a little bunny foo foo on elderly woman in parking lots, so I didn't bop her on the head. This time!

Slammermike said...

I have my tag thankfully it is only temporary.

Through the years I have learned interesting facts and seen unusual events in handicapped parking areas.

For example did you know that at Disney World in Florida that the Handicap lots are not entirely for handicap parking only?

There are handicap spots in the handicap lot but there are also regular spots in those lots for parties that have both handicap tags and regular tags can arrive together and park near each other.

(I wish I knew that before I had to walk across 8 lanes of traffic in 95 degree temperatures only to find we were welcome on the lot along with our friends.)

We had 3 cars of people in our party. One of my daughters rode in the car with the handicap parking pass while I had her pass in our car. Our friends with the handicapped tags were directed by park employees right into the handicapped lot. Our car and the other car in our party, which were directly behind our handicapped tagged friend, were told the park was full and we could not come into the park today (like Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Vacation) but offered us a 10% discount on a future visit to Disney World. Since we had already purchased passes for all Disney attractions for the entire week ahead of time, I explained to the lad that we were not in need of his offer and he could place the discount coupons elsewhere.

So now the dilemma. We had the tickets and could not get in. Our friends with the handicap tag were able to get in with the kids but did not have all the tickets. Now this was pre-cell phone days so the only way to make contact was to walk across the high-way to find my friend and let him know what had happened. One of helpful Disney employees seeing the unusual sight of a person without a car trudging up the mile and a half long driveway in that extreme heat offers assistance. That is when I was told that we could bring our cars in also and we would be welcomed into the park for a day of family fun and merriment. When I got to my friend he was ready to go crazy with the kids singing the 250th verse of the "Song That Never Ends" In the end it was a great time.

My next adventure in a handicap lot came with the same group of friends. We were going to a James Taylor concert. Our friend with the handicap tag offered to drive. When we arrived in the lot there was a suv full of midgets near us in the handicap lot. There mush have been 15-20 midgets in this vehicle. They just kept coming out. They were doing back flips off the tailgate. It was reminiscent of a clown car in the circus. As we started to exit our vehicle the midgets stopped dead in their tracks. They were looking in our direction pointing and laughing. We couldn't figure what they found so amusing about us. Then it struck us. There were 6 of us in a Taurus station wagon. The first 3 people folding out of this Taurus were between 6'2" and 6'5". They were laughing at the big people getting out of the car.

We all had a great laugh and a great time.

Joan said...

Hi AWB! When I use my handicapped placard, I make sure to have my cane with me. I sort of feel like I have to have visual proof that I need the special spot but you can't see fatigue.

I'm glad you left a comment on my blog because I didn't know you were posting interesting stuff! I lived for many years south of Baltimore, closer to Ft. Meade area. Now I'm in Delaware full time, but still make trips to visit the step-kids. I love to visit Baltimore!
I'm looking forward to reading more of your stuff.

awb said...

What my midget loving friend forgot to tell you was that once inside the concert we were treated to a woman doing sign language for the deaf patrons. Between the Flying Wolinda midgets and the deaf concert goers, it was a night to remember! I was also the one in the car with the 250 versus of the song that doesn't end, and believe me, it doesn't!

Anonymous said...

I am your mother and I have a tag because of it. I never said you,re are handsome, it would make me look egotistical, you look like me. I have a knee that won't cooperate when I walk more than a few feet. I don't park in a hc spot if there is a regular one close enough to use. There are people who need that closer spot but I will use it if I need it. It isn't always apparent why people have the tags. You have to keep positive, walk that extra few steps if you can and use the tag when you can't.I also look forward to reading more of your stuff.

awb said...

Mom, don't embarrass me in front of blog Dudes and Dudettes! And you did too tell me I was good looking! I'm glad you finally figured out how to post things, well done!

awb said...

Joan, I lived in Laurel, MD during elementary school, not too far from Ft. Meade. My father was principal of a school adjacent to Andrew's Air Force base. I love going to Delaware for the beach and no sales tax! Hope to see more of you.

Anonymous said...

Check this website "www.visortag.com", it shows a device that holds and protects your handicapped tag, and allows you to clip it to the visor, and display it when you park by simply pulling it down, and store it away when you drive off by simply folding it back, and it magnetically latch into a position out of your sight. A friend of mine uses it and she is so pleased with it....