19 replies to this topic

[Beautiful]

I have my parking placard that I hang in my rearview mirror, but take it off when I get into my car and place it in the glove box. When I drive, I take corners slower than most people. When I drive, I'm perfectly fine and stable, but if I go around a corner too fast, I'll either pull on the accelerator (which makes me go way too fast) or I'll lose my balance*. I mean, this isn't usually a big deal, but like when I get on the freeway or am exiting a busy intersection, people can become irritated. I've only been honked at two or three times, but still.

I know you can get license plates that have that cute (ha) little wheelchair buddy on it. Now, I HATE stereotypes, but does anyone find that having these plates kind of makes people back off because they'll assume "oh, they have a disability, I shouldn't be so peeved." Or would it be more like "if they're driving like this and are disabled, they shouldn't even have a license!"

Another thought that kind of worries me is how nice my car is. Now, I'm definitely not bragging, but I foolishly bought a car that costs double what some people make in a year. I'm realizing now how I could have gotten a nice car at a much more decent price. But because it is "fancy", I'm afraid when people see the plates, I'm going to become an automatic target. This terrifies me, especially if I drive alone.

What opinions do you lovely people have about this?

* please don't say I need a harnessed seat belt. I've been assessed by two different places and neither believe I need it. I'm a very safe driver, it's just on those certain turns that I'm concerned about.

[greybeard]

If you feel vulnerable when alone in the car, my advice would be to not have disabled plates. Let the impatient ones honk if they must, but you make sure you stay safe.

[A trophy guy]

I agree with GB (I know, I know; hell hasn't even frozen over either). There are those bottom feeders out there that will prey on a young girl whom they believe is vulnerable (vulnerable because of a disability, which would be broadcasted to the world from the back of your car).

[edlee]

I have both,,, and it makes little difference. The vast majority will never look at your plates,,, unless they've been following you for a couple miles. What you might consider,, if you are having any doubts about your safty,,, might be obtaining a carry permit. You don't strike me as the type to shoot up a McDonalds,, so I think we would all be safe from you,,, but it might give your confidence a little boost.
ed

[dreamerr]

I have used both. When I first got injured I had specialized plates and didn't want to change them. I also didn't want the stereotype or people harassing me as you said. When I moved to a different state I got the handicapped plates so I didn't have to remember to put the placard up. I have found it made no difference either way.

I feel vulnerable no matter what cause I can't get up and fight if I need to. I really do find the plate just easier on a daily basis. I do always find myself hoping that people just see the wheelchair in the car to prove I am disabled but with tinted windows that is really not possible. I also don't think most people care.

[quadinva]

Here's my take on it. I got the plates when I started driving mainly because I didn't want to fool with making sure I had my placard, hanging it up, taking it down, and they also allow me to keep the placard accessible to grab if I go out with somebody else. Since Ive had them, Ive found that I haven't had as many "weavers"/aggressive driver encounters as I had before I was a handicapped driver. I don't know if thats attributed to the plates and people giving me more space/consideration or not, but I welcome it.

Another positive that I think is associated with plates are that it puts in people's mind more concretely that I am deserving of the handi-spots. As Ive come to check most cars for 'worthiness' of handi-spots, a plate is much more telling than searching for a placard. A non-deserving person or borderline handicap person is probably more likely to get a placard instead of plates, so I think the plates remove the doubt factor. As I mentioned on ATG's thread about the cop questioning his placard, I dont know, but Id bet that if he had plates the cop probably wouldn't have approached him at all.


As for the mentioned downsides, specifically advertising vulnerability...I don't perceive that as an issue. I've heard about the elderly being targeted for scams etc. bc of their vulnerability, women (ab or not) being followed, etc, but have never heard of a crime where a victim was targeted because of their disability while out driving. I imagine if you suspect your being followed the best thing to do is to drive to a well lit populated place, just as your taught to do if youre ab. I dont think you're any more or less susceptible than the next pretty young lady motoring around town.


What it all boils down to is what you're comfortable with.


-Bags

[jscott92064]

One time there were no handicap spots so I did take up two spaces because I needed the room to get my husband out of our mercedes. We did display the placard. But when we came back about an hour later, there was soda spilled all over my car and a note calling me an ass.

We were new to my husband being paralyzed and hadn't been out much before. My husband was finally off bedrest and able to be out. I just wanted to take him to a nice dinner out. Next time I am aware of folks who might damage my car and perhaps I will drop him off at the front and I will park as far away as it takes and walk back. That night there were no close spots in sight and it was cold and well, we were inexperienced with all this and did not know what to expect from our fellow ABs.

My guy is much better, I don't hover as much, and we're more experienced with getting out. Just have to get on with life and not let the few bad apples bum you out.

So, unfortunately, there are folks who might hurt your nice car, in my experience, placard or not.

[D. Smith]

I have both (as I ride with my friends a lot and it is just convienent) and I've noticed little difference. However, where I'm at it seems that plates and placards are given out like candy. The only thing I've really noticed is that I get a lot of disgusted looks from elderly when I pull into a spot. You can't really tell I have a wheelchair in my passenger seat and they can't tell I'm paralyzed by only seeing waist up. For the record, I didn't need a seat harness but I have one for such tight turns. Only problem... Makes me drive faster into those turns. lol

[Tim13]

I live in Florida where everyone drives badly and with a choice of over 100 different plates available, the ones with the wheelchair on them don't really stand out in traffic.

As far as being more of a target for criminals, who knows but criminals are generally lazy so why advertise that you might be an easier victim-especially if you drive an expensive car?

[Tetracyclone]

The concern for crime very much depends on here you live and drive.

[greybeard]

Seems as though the advice conflicts, so just do what your senses tell you you will be comfortable with.

[Ches]

I started with the placard, but for reason not relating to driving I surrendered all my gov't assistance which included medical insurance.. knowing it would be more costly to go back and forth to doctor to replace a placard regularly I opted for the plates, they are good 10 years. My placard is well beyond expired but it sits in my friends car, and I still bust it out when needed. In other peoples cars, we just use a crip spot.. with NO placard or plates. Sadly, I've yet to get a ticket for this. (I'm confident I could get it excused in court so it's no worry of mine, more of a curiosity)

I too drive a car suited for someone with a white collar profession.. I find that a luxury car and crip plates pretty much keeps others at bay. Now if youre being a dick, going slow in the fast lane, those plates wont save you...lol. But you can pretty much bet that no one is willing to ram into your car!

As for being a victim, like others said.. if you're being followed pull into a crowded place or Police Dept. Dont get yourself into neighborhoods and predicaments that are seedy.. be precautious.

[Raglet]

the world is full of idiots - just ignore them. Yesterday when I was giving my daughter a driving lesson someone overtook her and honked his horn because she was 'only' doing the speed limit. And we had bright yellow learners plates on the car. Crazy! And as to whether I am actually allowed to be giving my able bodied daughter a drivers less when my license says I can only drive an adapted car - well I am just not going there!

[A trophy guy]

 Ches, on 25 January 2012 - 08:45 PM, said:

I started with the placard, but for reason not relating to driving I surrendered all my gov't assistance which included medical insurance.. knowing it would be more costly to go back and forth to doctor to replace a placard regularly I opted for the plates, they are good 10 years. My placard is well beyond expired but it sits in my friends car, and I still bust it out when needed. In other peoples cars, we just use a crip spot.. with NO placard or plates. Sadly, I've yet to get a ticket for this. (I'm confident I could get it excused in court so it's no worry of mine, more of a curiosity)

(bolding mine)

You know, just because you're disabled doesn't give you the right to abuse the system this way. You have been granted the rights to use the handicap parking spots, you have the responsibility to use them as they have been designed to be used. It just adds to the overall sense of apathy when it comes to handicap-parking; both in it's compliance and it's enforcement. We have enough to deal with from undeserving people parking illegally. Don't be part of the problem.

[Beautiful]

 Apparelyzed, on 25 January 2012 - 09:06 AM, said:

The answer is simple.

If you think your post is going to offend or provoke a reaction which could take a thread off topic, simply use the Private Message function, and contact the member directly.

This would save so many of the misinterpretations and misunderstandings in the forums.

Think before you post!

Simon.

Just sayin'.

[D. Smith]

 A trophy guy, on 26 January 2012 - 04:36 AM, said:

 Ches, on 25 January 2012 - 08:45 PM, said:

I started with the placard, but for reason not relating to driving I surrendered all my gov't assistance which included medical insurance.. knowing it would be more costly to go back and forth to doctor to replace a placard regularly I opted for the plates, they are good 10 years. My placard is well beyond expired but it sits in my friends car, and I still bust it out when needed. In other peoples cars, we just use a crip spot.. with NO placard or plates. Sadly, I've yet to get a ticket for this. (I'm confident I could get it excused in court so it's no worry of mine, more of a curiosity)

(bolding mine)

You know, just because you're disabled doesn't give you the right to abuse the system this way. You have been granted the rights to use the handicap parking spots, you have the responsibility to use them as they have been designed to be used. It just adds to the overall sense of apathy when it comes to handicap-parking; both in it's compliance and it's enforcement. We have enough to deal with from undeserving people parking illegally. Don't be part of the problem.

While I know exactly what you're saying, there also occur instances where you simply don't have the placard on you. Does the fact that we don't have the placard on us negate the fact that we need the extra space? No.

[A trophy guy]

 D. Smith, on 26 January 2012 - 05:25 AM, said:

 A trophy guy, on 26 January 2012 - 04:36 AM, said:

 Ches, on 25 January 2012 - 08:45 PM, said:

I started with the placard, but for reason not relating to driving I surrendered all my gov't assistance which included medical insurance.. knowing it would be more costly to go back and forth to doctor to replace a placard regularly I opted for the plates, they are good 10 years. My placard is well beyond expired but it sits in my friends car, and I still bust it out when needed. In other peoples cars, we just use a crip spot.. with NO placard or plates. Sadly, I've yet to get a ticket for this. (I'm confident I could get it excused in court so it's no worry of mine, more of a curiosity)

(bolding mine)

You know, just because you're disabled doesn't give you the right to abuse the system this way. You have been granted the rights to use the handicap parking spots, you have the responsibility to use them as they have been designed to be used. It just adds to the overall sense of apathy when it comes to handicap-parking; both in it's compliance and it's enforcement. We have enough to deal with from undeserving people parking illegally. Don't be part of the problem.

While I know exactly what you're saying, there also occur instances where you simply don't have the placard on you. Does the fact that we don't have the placard on us negate the fact that we need the extra space? No.

 Beautiful, on 26 January 2012 - 05:04 AM, said:

 Apparelyzed, on 25 January 2012 - 09:06 AM, said:

The answer is simple.

If you think your post is going to offend or provoke a reaction which could take a thread off topic, simply use the Private Message function, and contact the member directly.

This would save so many of the misinterpretations and misunderstandings in the forums.

Think before you post!

Simon.

Just sayin'.

 Beautiful, on 26 January 2012 - 05:04 AM, said:

 Apparelyzed, on 25 January 2012 - 09:06 AM, said:

The answer is simple.

If you think your post is going to offend or provoke a reaction which could take a thread off topic, simply use the Private Message function, and contact the member directly.

This would save so many of the misinterpretations and misunderstandings in the forums.

Think before you post!

Simon.

Just sayin'.

Sorry, it was a plate-placard related issue. Didn't mean to hijack

Edited by A trophy guy, 26 January 2012 - 07:11 AM.

[edlee]

I think, ATG,, that she felt you were picking a fight. It seems to be a fine line with some here,, as to what that is. I mostly come down on the side of "ask away" and " go ahead and say it",,,, but,, then,, I LIKE "discussions".
ed

[Ches]

I also have been known to go into the REGULAR (God forbid I use a normal spot) parking and take up TWO spots.. whether out in the back, up front.. just where ever two are available together when no crip ones are. It's called survival.

Idk, maybe it's a southern thing.. a bit of that hospitality.. I've gotten a dirty look or two, but no real fights.

A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

ATG..Nanny Nanny boo boo! ;)

[airart1]

i like my handicapped tags, i dont have to sweat a placecard, and ches, i'm like you, i'm not shy at all about taking up 2 places, who cares, if they don't like it, they can add more handicapped places......i really like my little wheelchair dude on my harley tags!!!!!! the van and 4x4 just has the dd on it not a wheelchair insignia........