Hey there,
I just wanted to say thank you to the good guys who stood up for my son and I tonight at the Park St. shopping center in Vienna.

You really put that jerk in his place for taking the handicapped parking space that my son needed. And you made sure he felt really uncomfortable until he moved his sportscar.

I'm writing this thank you here, in case you read this forum.

And if you are the douchebag who thought it was cool to cut me off and take the handicapped space I was patiently waiting for, I hope you are sufficiently humiliated and think twice before you park in another handicapped parking space.

i think this is the forum you were looking to post in: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/rnr/


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

I am always amazed by the number of people who use handicapped spots, look perfectly fine to me and drive BMW's.

I guess in their mind it's "I got a hanidcapped sticker some how so screw everybody else." It's as if they think we don't know anybody can get a handicapped sticker by asking the DMV.

The point isn't do you have a handicapped sticker, the point is do you need the spot.

So expect me to harass and embarrass you if it looks like your abusing the spots.

Police should enforce these spots more.

Put these numbers in your cell phone -

To Report Violations

To report the use of expired placards or the suspected misuse or alteration of placards or plates, a person should call the Virginia State DMV at 1-804-367-6602, TTY 1-800-272-9268.

To report parking violations, i.e., vehicles parked in a disabled parking space without a valid disabled placard or plate, a person should call the local police non-emergency number in the jurisdiction in which the violation happened (see list below). When calling, have a description of the vehicle (make, model and color), license plate number, location, date, and time. Reporting violations assists the police departments in policing accessible parking spaces. Registering complaints enables the police to target specific areas for patrol purposes; it may enable the police to issue a parking violation ticket on the spot. To report a violation, call:

Fairfax County: Voice/TTY 703-691-2131

City of Fairfax: 703-385-7960, TTY 703-359-2480

City of Falls Church: 703-241-5053, TTY 703-532-4489

Herndon Police Department: Voice/TTY 703-435-6846

Vienna Police Department: 703-255-6366

There was a big deal on Dr. Gridlock in the Post about this years ago. People are fucking sick and tired of seeing people with hangtags pulling into handicap spaces and sprinting to the door.

Some wrote in to say they have those hangtags because of a condition people cannot readily see and it isn't fair to harass them just because they have a disability that is real but not readily seen.

I say if you can sprint for the door, you are full of shit and can park in a non-handicapped spot. I know of people who have bragged that they use their parent's hangtag to get better parking at the Mall and such. It is disgusting and I'm glad to hear of someone publicly humiliating a violator, though in this case I am assuming the humiliated person didn't have a handicap plate or hangtag.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2008 10:41AM by pgens.

Amen brother!

I don't harass handicap tags, those I find to be legit or people who have dropped off a special needs person.

I harass and banter people who pull up in a brand new Lexus, quickly flip the handicap tag on the mirror and dash off in a hurry.

They should outlaw the handicap hangers. I also question if some sick people have printed up those tags on a laser printer. Certainly anybody can do that.

One lady I waited to give an earful to said she had surgery on foot about 6 six months ago and needed the tag. Of course she had no problem hussling up some stairs for a Christmas sale right in front of me.

Don't think you are safe just because you're away from your car, I maybe waiting to harass you once your in the store!!!! I may get in line right behind you at the check out and harass you there!!!

Hey Guys,
Thanks for posting the reporting information.

My kid is physically and mentally disabled, and has a hanging placard so it can go with him when he rides in different cars. And to put it bluntly, my kid looks like he's got lots of problems.

The douchebag in his sportscar had no handicapped tags or hanging placard. He hopped out and was acting all Joe cool. I pulled up behind douchbag's car and confronted him. In response he pulled up his pant leg and tried to show a little scar. That's when our heros stepped in and made him move his car.

I went to thank them, but they sort of blew it off as no big deal. I wanted them to know it meant alot. My husband and older kids read this forum, and they suggested I post about it here.

I used to give a ride to a girl with a prosthetic leg in high school, and she had one of those placards. I see nothing wrong with them but I do agree the person should have a disability involving limited movement...

I mean shit, at least have the decency to carry a cane around in your car if you are faking. That way if Lurker or some other parking vigilante confronts you, you can say you are having a rare good day and you wanted to see how you do the short walk without it... or some similar lie.. even Lurker is not heartless enough to question someone who is trying to break away from their disability...

Then again, I met lurker, and I do believe on further thought that he might ask questions later on the wrong day.

I'd just block him in there until the Vienna Police appeared. In Vienna, that'd be in about 30 seconds - especially around Park Street.

The problem is that they let anyone get the hangtag. I was watching this Pen and Teller show, and they were saying there are just too many cases of people who shouldn't have the tag taking spaces away from those w/ legitimate disabilities. I think only those who are truly physically challenged ( including the elderly who have a hard time getting around) should have the plates, and they should do away w/ the hangtags. Only long term and permanent cases should be issued the plates. No diabetes (unless it's an old person who has a hard time getting around) or bullshit migraine cases should qualify for the plates.

Then what about my friend who had the one leg? She did not own a car but still needed rides to get around the area, and her folks had to work like everyone else. It would be a violation of the same rights that established the handicap space, to limit her right to choose the vehicle she travels in if it is reasonable to accommodate it.

RESton Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Then what about my friend who had the one leg?
> She did not own a car but still needed rides to
> get around the area, and her folks had to work
> like everyone else. It would be a violation of
> the same rights that established the handicap
> space, to limit her right to choose the vehicle
> she travels in if it is reasonable to accommodate
> it.

If she's being driven, the driver can let her out at the front door, THEN go park in a regular spot.

fair point, but just let me say I never felt guilty for even a second for using the placard when I was giving her a ride.

Actually, I agree that your use of a placard in the situation you described is perfectly valid. It is the people in similar situations who choose to use it when the handicapped person is not present that deserve to be strung up.

ITRADE Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'd just block him in there until the Vienna
> Police appeared. In Vienna, that'd be in about 30
> seconds - especially around Park Street.


I was going to say the same thing . Just block him/her and wait until the cops get there.

s



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/01/2010 08:41PM by inkahootz.

Hard to get rid of the hang tags. IIRC, many are temporary use or for temporary disability.

My dad got a compound fracture which required 3 surgeries. Until all was healed, he had a hang tag for about a year as his circulation system in his leg was fucked up and he could not walk more than 100 yards before having to sit.

I agree that there's rampant abuse of the handicapped placard--especially in this area that's already teeming with asshole drivers.

Basically, anyone who has a family member who may have obtained one legitimately seems to feel completely justified in using it themselves. That, of course, is wrong.

However, there are indeed some less conspicuous disabilities that are every bit as debilitating--namely asthma. I've known people in their 20s who look perfectly healthy, but on a particularly humid day, a walk from the parking lot to the store could trigger a life-threatening attack. That's definitely a case where the placard is warranted, but the user will have to endure more than a few skeptical glances.

But then again, they also wouldn't be sprinting anywhere.

It might be a rare exception, but there are times when the passenger is the one handicapped and you can't just drop them at the curb and park in a regular spot. My father has severe dementia and when I take him to a doctor's appointment, there is no telling where he might end up if I left him at the curb! You have no idea how many times he's gotten away from us, just in an instant when you're at the grocery store paying the cashier ... whoosh he's outta there!

My mother is almost totally blind and she would be extremely apprehensive if I left her at the curb. We usually park in a regular spot if she can walk that far, but sometimes it's just too far for her to go without having to stop and rest. I agree that the placards are abused, but how would my parents get to their appointments? They rely on a network of drivers.

centreville3 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It might be a rare exception, but there are times
> when the passenger is the one handicapped and you
> can't just drop them at the curb and park in a
> regular spot. My father has severe dementia and
> when I take him to a doctor's appointment, there
> is no telling where he might end up if I left him
> at the curb! You have no idea how many times he's
> gotten away from us, just in an instant when
> you're at the grocery store paying the cashier ...
> whoosh he's outta there!
>
> My mother is almost totally blind and she would be
> extremely apprehensive if I left her at the curb.
> We usually park in a regular spot if she can walk
> that far, but sometimes it's just too far for her
> to go without having to stop and rest. I agree
> that the placards are abused, but how would my
> parents get to their appointments? They rely on a
> network of drivers.


Another good point.

It's a slippery slope; because nobody wants to come off as the prick who essentially profiles drivers who use handicapped spaces (i.e., judges their "disability" on whether or not they're wheelchair confined)... but so many of them do take advantage of the system.

It also amuses me to see how much trouble some people go to in the interest of getting "a better parking spot". They block traffic, negotiate a 5-point turn, and nearly hit pedestrians in an effort to squeeze into a space closer to the entrance. And when it's all said and done, it takes them longer than if they'd parked 50 yards away. Like I do.

centreville3 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It might be a rare exception, but there are times
> when the passenger is the one handicapped and you
> can't just drop them at the curb and park in a
> regular spot. My father has severe dementia and
> when I take him to a doctor's appointment, there
> is no telling where he might end up if I left him
> at the curb! You have no idea how many times he's
> gotten away from us, just in an instant when
> you're at the grocery store paying the cashier ...
> whoosh he's outta there!
>
> My mother is almost totally blind and she would be
> extremely apprehensive if I left her at the curb.
> We usually park in a regular spot if she can walk
> that far, but sometimes it's just too far for her
> to go without having to stop and rest. I agree
> that the placards are abused, but how would my
> parents get to their appointments? They rely on a
> network of drivers.


I understand your parents are old, but if you took the last handicapped space for your dad (who suffers from dementia), and then a quadriplegic person can't get a spot; that's fucked up! In this scenario, there is no reason why you can't park in a normal spot and then escort your dad wherever you're going. Dementia is a debilitating and tough disease to deal with, but not in terms of mobility. In fact, based on news stories, people suffering from dementia are very mobile and able bodied, and seem to have amazing powers of wandering off (sometimes even
far away)!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2008 08:47PM by inkahootz.

The requirements to obtain handicapped license plates and the hanging placard ARE THE SAME. You get a doctor to sign the DMV application stating that you have limited mobility, that's it. (It's the damned doctors' fault, IMO)

HOWEVER, to get the license plates, the handicapped person must be an OWNER of the car. That's why they introduced the hanging placards...a lot of handicapped persons don't drive and/or own a car (kids, etc). Plus, the handicapped person may ride in other peoples' cars on occasion.

There are legitimate purpose needs for the hanging placards and they ain't going anywhere.

The problem is all the ME! ME! ME! motherfuckers abusing the placards. But hey, assholes abuse every fucking thing.

RESton Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I used to give a ride to a girl with a prosthetic
> leg in high school


I knew a similar girl. Was her name Eileen?

My step dad has one. He had a hip replacement surgery a while ago. But his placard is good for life and we can put it in any car as long as he is in the car. Unless you watched closely you wouldn't notice the limp too much or notice he can't walk real far distances. All placards have the name of the person they are given for and identifying info on it and it clearly states using it without that person is against the law and that person can then lose the placard forever.

Hi, I think that was me in the sports car you're talking about. Let me try to set the record straight. I actually do have a hangtag, but I left it at home that day. I suffer from a condition called chronic douchebagitis. It has a number of symptoms including: wearing chest hair revealing shirts with at least the top three buttons undone and lots of gold chains, using a push-to-talk cellphone as often as I can, paying for things with checks instead of cash or credit cards, slapping you on the back and asking if it's "hot enough for you," complaining about how Starbucks coffee tastes too "burnt" for me, reclining my seat on airplanes, farting in elevators, going through the express lane with about 40 items, tailgating, referring to women as "toots," driving behemoth-class SUVs you can't see around, or driving sports cars in order to make as many lane changes as possible, letting my dog bark at all hours of the night, walking slowly down the center of the sidewalk smoking a cigarette to ensure you have to inhale most of it, and drinking "lite" beer. I need that space, because it's wider, and if I have to park anywhere else, I have a compulsion to ding the door of the car next to me.

So I'm sorry I didn't have my tag, but it was really wrong of you to kick me out of that spot. Those of us with chronic douchebagitis are people too, and all we want is respect.

Richard Head Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi, I think that was me in the sports car you're
> talking about. Let me try to set the record
> straight. I actually do have a hangtag, but I left
> it at home that day. I suffer from a condition
> called chronic douchebagitis. It has a number of
> symptoms including: wearing chest hair revealing
> shirts with at least the top three buttons undone
> and lots of gold chains, using a push-to-talk
> cellphone as often as I can, paying for things
> with checks instead of cash or credit cards,
> slapping you on the back and asking if it's "hot
> enough for you," complaining about how Starbucks
> coffee tastes too "burnt" for me, reclining my
> seat on airplanes, farting in elevators, going
> through the express lane with about 40 items,
> tailgating, referring to women as "toots," driving
> behemoth-class SUVs you can't see around, or
> driving sports cars in order to make as many lane
> changes as possible, letting my dog bark at all
> hours of the night, walking slowly down the center
> of the sidewalk smoking a cigarette to ensure you
> have to inhale most of it, and drinking "lite"
> beer. I need that space, because it's wider, and
> if I have to park anywhere else, I have a
> compulsion to ding the door of the car next to
> me.
>
> So I'm sorry I didn't have my tag, but it was
> really wrong of you to kick me out of that spot.
> Those of us with chronic douchebagitis are people
> too, and all we want is respect.


+1

Richard Head Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi, I think that was me in the sports car you're
> talking about. Let me try to set the record
> straight. I actually do have a hangtag, but I left
> it at home that day. I suffer from a condition
> called chronic douchebagitis. It has a number of
> symptoms including: wearing chest hair revealing
> shirts with at least the top three buttons undone
> and lots of gold chains, using a push-to-talk
> cellphone as often as I can, paying for things
> with checks instead of cash or credit cards,
> slapping you on the back and asking if it's "hot
> enough for you," complaining about how Starbucks
> coffee tastes too "burnt" for me, reclining my
> seat on airplanes, farting in elevators, going
> through the express lane with about 40 items,
> tailgating, referring to women as "toots," driving
> behemoth-class SUVs you can't see around, or
> driving sports cars in order to make as many lane
> changes as possible, letting my dog bark at all
> hours of the night, walking slowly down the center
> of the sidewalk smoking a cigarette to ensure you
> have to inhale most of it, and drinking "lite"
> beer. I need that space, because it's wider, and
> if I have to park anywhere else, I have a
> compulsion to ding the door of the car next to
> me.
>
> So I'm sorry I didn't have my tag, but it was
> really wrong of you to kick me out of that spot.
> Those of us with chronic douchebagitis are people
> too, and all we want is respect.


Wait--don't you also ride the brake in the fast lane while texting other douchebags, and then speed up when someone tries to pass you on the right? Meh... Maybe that was somebody else...

My wife is blind. We'll usually park in another corner of the parking lot, since she is able to walk (albeit with guidance). This is what we do 90% of the time.

We'll use the placard if there's more than one spot open and (1) we have to cross through a parking garage (way more dangerous than a parking lot as far as I'm concerned) or (2) the only other free spots require some huge hike across uncertain terrain (e.g. Wolf Trap) or a major highway. If there's only one spot open, we'll leave it for the 85-year-old.

Since her name is on the title of the Civic hybrid we have, we've often thought of getting a plate that is 'Clean Special Fuel' AND 'Handicapped.'

Mrs. K Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey there,
> I just wanted to say thank you to the good guys
> who stood up for my son and I tonight at the Park
> St. shopping center in Vienna.
>
> You really put that jerk in his place for taking
> the handicapped parking space that my son needed.
> And you made sure he felt really uncomfortable
> until he moved his sportscar.
>
> I'm writing this thank you here, in case you read
> this forum.
>
> And if you are the douchebag who thought it was
> cool to cut me off and take the handicapped space
> I was patiently waiting for, I hope you are
> sufficiently humiliated and think twice before you
> park in another handicapped parking space.

Why would you have to wait for a handicapped space at that shopping center? There are always tons of empty spaces, including lots of empty handicapped spaces.

inkahootz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SBS Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > RESton Peace Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Then what about my friend who had the one leg?
>
> > > She did not own a car but still needed rides
> to
> > > get around the area, and her folks had to
> work
> > > like everyone else. It would be a violation
> of
> > > the same rights that established the handicap
> > > space, to limit her right to choose the
> vehicle
> > > she travels in if it is reasonable to
> > accommodate
> > > it.
> >
> > If she's being driven, the driver can let her
> out
> > at the front door, THEN go park in a regular
> spot.
>
>
> Call me crazy, but I always thought a handicapped
> parking space was for handicapped drivers! (That
> didn't include you RES, unless you have some
> mental condition we were not aware of, JK!!) I
> know there are exceptions to the rule; Families w/
> disabled children, spouses, etc. They are long
> term situations that should have the license
> plate. As long as th
ere are hangtags, there will
> be rampant abuse. Get rid of the hangtags, and the
> problem is solved.

OK. Sounds good. Of course that means anyone with a temporary hangtag because of a broken leg, could get a license plate and park in handicapped spaces forever.

Yeah, that should solve the problem. Every temporary medical problem becomes permanent. Good plan.

Neen Wrote:

> Yeah, that should solve the problem. Every
> temporary medical problem becomes permanent. Good
> plan.

hey, leave this problem for someone else to solve. The redistricting thread is waiting for you.

>>>I am always amazed by the number of people who use handicapped spots, look perfectly fine to me and drive BMW's.<<<

What's a BMW got to do with it? BMW drivers don't break legs or have cancer surgeries?

I have a handicap.I have an eye made of oak.iI once met a dancer with a wooden leg at Good Guys and asked if she would table dance for me.She said,"Would I?Would I?". I said,"Fuck you, peg leg."

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>I am always amazed by the number of people who
> use handicapped spots, look perfectly fine to me
> and drive BMW's.<<<
>
> What's a BMW got to do with it? BMW drivers don't
> break legs or have cancer surgeries?


_______________________________________________________________


No kidding. What does the car have to do with it?

For my wife who had a placard during her Chemo/radiation treatments, it made her days a little better.

Because she drove a new SUV or a sports car, we always got "looks" from others. Some days were better than others. Until one has walked a mile in her shoes, be careful how you judge.

I drive my aunt all over the place and always "throw the placard" upon arrival, up on the mirror. I am healthy, she is not. With a some ailments, her doc says to take it easy. Again, be careful how you judge.

MY Dad, also has a handicapped tag - a metal one for the car. If you see a big AMG Benz and a guy who looks fine, know he got his metal while serving his country.

All are legit reasons, but if someone hasn't got a tag/card, call non-emerg. police dispatch. They will help.

If someone "blocked me in" playing a vigilante, I will call a different police dispatch number, but it would not work out for you as you thought...