WATCHDOG REPORT: Parking cheats aboundPeople without disabilities using DMV-issued handicapped placards The Post and Courier
Monday, May 12, 2008
Melissa Haneline Video
The Post and Courier Watchdog team recently hit the streets of Charleston to gauge the abuse of handicapped parking system. Watch » BY THE NUMBERS- In 2007, the state issued nearly 137,000 blue permanent placards for the handicapped to South Carolina residents. - That's up by nearly 24,000 issued in 2003. - Last year, the state issued 21,302 temporary placards compared with 17,489 in 2003. - More than 63,000 permanent and temporary placards were issued in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties alone. - According to Census Bureau records, 87,678 people in these counties have some form of disability. Parking Cheaters: The seriesToday: Able-bodied people use handicap placards to cop free and convenient parking spaces. Tuesday: The state's lax record keeping helps placard cheaters get away with it. Wednesday: Stopping the cheaters. Here's how. Thursday: Misuse harms the legitimately disabled. Other stories coming soon on Watchdog: P-Tags: People misuse P-tags, too Coin Jammers: How cheaters jam meters and rip off taxpayers Airport scammers: How people use placards to get free parking at airports Market cheaters: Vendors at City Market say people use placards because of frustration. And more ... It is unlawful for any person who is not handicapped or who is not transporting a handicapped person to exercise the parking privileges granted handicapped persons. - South Carolina law A growing number of hospital workers, downtown merchants and others are using parking placards for the handicapped to cheat the city out of thousands of dollars in parking meter revenue. Worse, these scammers are taking spaces that could be used by people with real disabilities, a Post and Courier Watchdog investigation found. Doctors sign off on placard applications for vague disabilities, such as "high stress." Young people use their older relatives' placards on shopping trips downtown, or in one case, for a prime spot next to a West Ashley fitness center. Motorists with blue or red placards for the disabled can park all day in metered and public garage spaces for free, so the abuse is most prevalent in downtown areas where parking spaces are at a premium, especially around the downtown Charleston medical complex, King Street, the College of Charleston and the City Market. It's a local and nationwide problem. Just last month, investigators at Miami International Airport found that hundreds of able-bodied airport and airline workers regularly use parking spaces for the handicapped, fleecing the airport out of $1 million in fees a year. Last year, Massachusetts investigators found nearly a third of the roughly 1,000 placards they scrutinized in downtown Boston were used by people without disabilities. Forty-nine placards belonged to dead people. The state's inspector general called the situation "an unconscionable insult" to the truly disabled. Most cheaters in Charleston go unpunished because the state has a lax record-keeping system that makes it nearly impossible for law enforcement to investigate suspects. Parking enforcement officers, meanwhile, are loath to confront people whose disabilities may not be obvious. But when asked about their placards, some perfectly healthy motorists readily admit to scamming the system to avoid paying expensive parking fees or simply to ensure they get to work on time, The Post and Courier's investigation showed. Many downtown residents, business owners and hospital workers who play by the rules are furious with the cheaters — and with what they say is inadequate enforcement. Some residents are taking matters into their own hands by jotting down license plate numbers of suspected violators. But with the number of placards for the handicapped climbing by the thousands every month and more baby boomers entering their sunset years, the problem is likely to get worse, thanks in part to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which: -- Gives drivers displaying placards and plates for the handicapped unlimited free parking in metered and timed spaces. This makes the envelope-sized hang tags worth their weight in gold if you work in areas where parking is expensive. -- Offers applicants two placards, making it easier to illegally share the parking perk with family and friends. -- Does not maintain a database linking placards to particular vehicles, a tool that law enforcement officers say would help flag potential abusers. -- Keeps such poor records that officials are unable to say exactly how many placards are in circulation. The agency also doesn't track whether some physicians sign off on bogus ones or turn in unusually large numbers of applications. -- The Department of Motor Vehicles says it's not responsible if people misuse the placards. "We recognize that it's abused," said Beth Parks, the agency's communications director. "I don't know that there's much we can do. What happens with it when it goes to the customer is something we have no control over." The abuse Every morning, commuters stream toward the Medical University of South Carolina in a mad dash for on-street parking spots. Those with placards for the handicapped can park at metered spaces for free. (State law says so.) So not only do these commuters get prime parking spots, they can save a pile of money. Spaces in private parking lots, often just a few feet from the metered spaces, can cost $100 a month or more. Frank Rupp lives on Rutledge Avenue across from Cannon Park, just a block from the medical complex. Every day, he sees what appear to be MUSC workers parking their cars at eight metered spots by the park and walking to work. He got so annoyed that he surveyed the parking situation over three days last fall and found 42 percent of the roughly 60 spaces around the park had cars with placards for the handicapped. While writing down license and placard numbers, Rupp struck up a conversation with a doctor in the medical complex. The physician told him that at least five administrative assistants in his department wanted handicap placards, and that after getting a doctor to sign their applications, they went to the Department of Motor Vehicles for their blue hang tags. It's not just medical complex employees who are abusing the system, Rupp said. On Oct. 20, 2006, he saw a contractor get out of his truck, open an envelope and hand placards to three of his workers to hang on the mirrors of their trucks. Then they all went to work on a house nearby. Donna Bouissey, an MUSC employee with neuropathy in her feet, said she sees people misuse the hang tags all the time. She parks on Doughty Street in a designated spot. "One time, I was on Rutledge when I saw a couple of young girls hop out of the car, and put what looked like 40-pound backpacks on and jog toward the campus. It burns me to see that." Like these young girls, some placard abusers exhibit little shame. One Friday evening, a young woman with a blond ponytail finished her workout at Pivotal Fitness in West Ashley and walked out to her Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep was in a parking spot for the disabled, and a blue placard hung from the mirror. The young woman then drove across the parking lot about 100 yards and parked in another parking space for the disabled next to the Publix grocery store. She shopped a few minutes and walked briskly back to her Jeep, then drove off, removing the placard in the process. According to state records, the placard belongs to a man in his 70s. To be sure, many people with placards and tags for the handicapped have legitimate disabilities. And it's often difficult to tell who has a health issue and who doesn't. "You never know," said Harriet McBryde Johnson, an attorney who is disabled and works downtown. "I really don't make judgments based on how people look. I had someone in my own family who needed (a placard), and she could walk a short distance and look fine." One recent afternoon, for instance, a woman in her 50s walked without visible difficulty to her car on Ogier Street, a block from MUSC's Rutledge Tower. Nearly every car on the street had a blue tag hanging from the mirror, including hers. "I can't hardly walk," she said as she opened her car door, adding that she has severe back problems. She pointed to her feet, which were swollen. "When I go home, I'm just going to bed. I'm in such pain now." As she got into her car, she groaned. Minutes later, however, a neatly dressed young woman approached her SUV and said the placard belonged to her grandmother. She said she worked at MUSC and acknowledged that she was wrong to use it only for herself. "I do realize it," she said. "I'm pretty sure a lot of people do it." On another afternoon, a woman wearing a work uniform and hospital ID badge walked up to her small gray sedan on Rutledge Avenue. The car had been parked in a metered space all day, but like many others in the area, the parking meter hadn't earned a cent. She said that the placard belongs to her father, who is paralyzed. "I'm illegal. I admit it," she said, shoving her work badge in her pocket as she was asked for her name. She said she keeps the placard handy in her glove box to use when she takes her father to the grocery store and medical appointments. But she also uses it to find a parking space close to the hospital building where she works. "I believe no one really wants to do it, but if you show up late so many times, you are fired. I know it's not right. But you just have no other choice." She blamed the hospital for not providing enough affordable and convenient parking for its employees. Melinda Anderson, MUSC's parking administrator, acknowledged that abuse of parking privileges meant for the handicapped is a problem. "It's the same vehicles day after day," Anderson said. "I can't imagine that many people are disabled. It's disappointing to me that folks take advantage." The university is trying to ease the demand on campus by offering bus discounts, park-and-ride lots to commuters and valet parking to patients. A new 1,500-space parking garage expected to open in the fall also should help, she said. But these efforts aren't likely to cut down on the abuse of parking privileges for the handicapped because the cheaters aren't interested if it' s not "convenient, available and free," she said. Back on the street On a recent afternoon, as the sun set behind the medical complex, a parade of hospital employees carrying bags, coats and lunch boxes flowed back to parking spaces in the surrounding neighborhoods. One employee carrying a briefcase crossed Ashley Avenue to get to his truck, parked at a meter across from the College of Dental Medicine. The familiar blue-and-white handicap tag hung from the mirror. "I use it to take my grandmother to the hospital sometimes," he said. Asked why he was using it when he isn't disabled, he confessed, "I shouldn' t. I shouldn't use it. I just put it up today." His truck was spotted again on Ashley Avenue a few days later — with the placard still hanging from the mirror. NEXT: CHEATERS COST CITY THOUSANDS OF BUCKS Reach Ron Menchaca at 937-5724 or rmenchaca@postandcourier.com and Tony Bartelme at 937-5554 or tbartelme@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 66 comment(s)
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 12, 2008 at 1:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
___Parking enforcement officers, meanwhile, are loath to confront people whose disabilities may not be obvious.____
This is just too bad, isn't it? There is NO WAY to just LOOK at someone and say they are not disabled. Someone with midlevel MS would not look "handicapped".
I hope these people who try to "police" the handicap spots get there faces slapped when they try to confront someone whom they think is wrongfully using a handicap placard.
Get a life and mind your own business or you just may confront someone and get sliced up with a box cutter....bet you'll think twice before you mind someone else's business again, now won't you?
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 12, 2008 at 1:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a really great idea the Post and Courier has. Kudos to those who came up with it!!!!!
""A growing number of hospital workers, downtown merchants and others are using parking placards for the handicapped to cheat the city out of thousands of dollars in parking meter revenue.""
We need the SC State Attorney General to act and mobilize a task force to retrieve all data records and card numbers to weed out these thousands upon thousands of criminals violating handicapped parking laws. Go into the hospitals and doctors office and find the law breakers who issue them like candy to anyone. I could post some of the doctors' offices I know that are doing it. But this is not the place for that.
Posted by jmw29410 on May 12, 2008 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a former employee of the City's Parking System, I saw many obviously able bodied people using the tags. Once I saw someone pull out of a garage and pass his blue tag to someone. On another occasion I saw someone say to a man who was carrying a tag "Gee, you don't look handicapped." This man laughed and said "Yeah...how about that?"
As a person who now has such a tag due to mobility issues, I seem to be noticing abuses more and more. Like the guy who got out of his vehicle at Best Buy in North Charleston, pulled a large computer monitor out of the trunk, and carried it briskly inside. Or the guy who pulled into a handicapped space at Isle of Palms Marina and literally jogged down onto the dock carrying a big cooler and several grocery bags. And just last week, again at Best Buy, I was angling towards a handicapped space when another vehicle with a tag cut me off as it whipped into the space. The occupants were 3 young chickies who literally bounced into the store.
Yes there are legit reasons for an able bodied person to have a handicap tag in the car and use it. I have a family member who puts my tag up when she is taking me to doctor appointments. And when I am not with her the tag comes down. Legal and simple.
I would love to see some viable enforcement system put into place.
Posted by moonpie on May 12, 2008 at 6:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I'm pretty sure a lot of people do it."
SO IF A LOT OF PEOPLE JUMP OFF THAT BIG BRIDGE ARE YOU GONNA DO IT? AND THIS GIRL IS GOING TO BE WORKING IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN SOME CAPACITY!
Hey the answer is don't build a building unless you intend to provide adequate parking for said building?!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally, I think that if you are handicapped enough for the state to acknowledge it by giving you a placard or special plate for your car, you don't need to be driving.
Posted by BillytheKid on May 12, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally, I think that if you are stupid, you should have your computer taken away.
Posted by number1volsfan1 on May 12, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Finally, the P&C posts a great article. About time these abuses are publicized!
Posted by jmw29410 on May 12, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey_U_Guys..... I know a lot of people who shared your proof-that-I'm-stupid mindset....until they found themselves with mobility problems.
Lots of handicapped folks are capable of operating a vehicle and probably do so better and more safely than you do. It's getting around after they have reached their destination that is the reason they ask for the tag.
I know a lot like me, who sometimes park in a regular space because we happen to feel more functional on a given day, so we walk a little further leave the special spaces for someone who truly needs it.
When the day comes that you body begins to fail, you will probably squeal for a handicap tag at the first sign of trouble. I fought it for several years before admitting to myself that I needed the tag. And I don't use mine for freebie parking - I never go anywhere except to places that don't have pay parking. My tag is because of mobility, not chintziness.
Posted by jose on May 12, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately, not all handicaps qualify one for a permit. Primarily, one must have a walking disability and use some kind of aid for walking. But it seems 90% of the fast food employees use permits. We just moved from a very good doctor who refused to sign for us to get a permit although our son has cerebral palsy and seizures, and my wife now has motor neuropathy and cannot walk without a walker. Doctor said too many people have permits already. That is true. Many unqualified people get them because doctors do not know the requirements. County Police ignore complaints about gross violations because, I imagine, they don't know the rules. Chief Greenburg had a good idea once and issued cameras so people could take pictures of license plates of suspected violators. It was a good plan and should be re-implemented.
Posted by cnast777 on May 12, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see this broken every time I go to WalMart, the grocery....
Nothing infuriates me more than the segment of society that parks in the firelanes in from of every Grocery store in the tri-county.
I can't believe that people just don't give a dam*
It's a sorry world we live in.
Posted by Early on May 12, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does not bother me a bit, I see it but I thank God I am able to walk and don't mind doing it. It will eat them up inside eventually!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not stupid because I don't have the same views as you two. And by the way, I am a very safe and courteous driver with only one ticket (from 2000) a NO accidents on my record. Don't sit here and tell me that I am not a safe driver. You don't know anything about me.
My cousin and grandmother have never driven a day in their lives. They have epilepsy and in Pennsylvania they will not grant a driver's license to people with certain conditions.
My aunt, who lives in Virginia, had a brain tumor that caused black outs and seizures. The DMV not only let her keep her license, she was granted a handicapped placard as well. One day while driving, she blacked out causing a 5 car pile-up. She was NOT held responsible. She kept her license and placard like nothing had happened.
I broke my knee pretty damn badly a few years ago. I had a HUGE immobilizer splint on my leg and walked with crutches. The orthopaedic doctor asked me if I would like him to fax a letter over to the DMV requesting a placard. I told him no, I didn't need one. Yeah a broken knee and crutches are inconvenient and painful, but I could still walk on my own.
Posted by Reader on May 12, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do handicapped drivers get to park in parking decks and at parking meters for free anyway? What is the connection between being handicapped and being unable to afford a space in a parking deck?
One quick way to cut down on the abuses would be to eliminate that crazy benefit.
Posted by wallytowngrl on May 12, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey_u_guys do you use your handicap sticker all the time if not you should I have arthritis in my knees which causes me no to be able to walk far I don't use the handicap carts in the store which I am entitled to I also have a heart problem but it is people like you who think they should get all the privileges and the rest of us should dry up an blow away . well let me tell you something I make 100,000.00 plus a year and I pay my taxes so I can use that space not some biddy bopping teen driving granny's car to the mall.
And if the truth is know its your kid using granny's car
Posted by Edwin435 on May 12, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So all this is subjective...I guess you have to rely on " Looking Handicapped" not to get turned in. Now I am not saying that people who are not handicapped and use the spaces should not be punished but could not this be used as sort of a " Salem Witchcraft trail...where is Tituba?
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WallyTownGrl: What are you talking about? I have never had a placard in my life nor do I have one now.
Posted by Harpo on May 12, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some businesses waste way too many parking spots with the
blue paint .. SCFCU is one of them. The entire front of the
parking lot is handicap parking .. 50% of the lot! You can
see patrons idling in their cars waiting for a regular spot
to open up while ten blue spots sit unused .. maybe one
will be in use for some fat woman's caddy.
Parts of the weapon station are the same way .. wasted blue
parking spots that only fat people can use. I get tired of
seeing this waste. Make it harder to get the stickers and
quit giving them to fat arses.
Posted by RTC on May 12, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What about those "parking for expectant or new mothers only spaces"?
I realize that they are only courtesy spaces, but that is ridiculous. Pregnant and new mothers can walk. It isn't always easy, but I did it.
Next thing on the agenda is going to be spaces reserved for people with hemorrhoids, enlarged prostates, recent breast enlargement, etc.
They need to stop all of this, and reserve the spots for those that truly do have problems.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The expectant mother spaces are ridiculous. I had a high risk pregnancy and I still walked from the regular spaces. Anytime there is an allowance for some, it becomes an abuse by others.
Posted by Reader on May 12, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have any problem at all with police officers asking people about their medical conditions. The people who have those placards are required to explain their need when they get the cards. Surely they do not walk into the DMV, ask for a placard, and then have a fit when asked to explain the need. Why should they chafe when asked by the police? You would think they would be glad to know that someone is enforcing the rules which help them.
Will some people with hidden conditions be asked to state their need? Yes, but that is a small price to pay as far as I'm concerned.
Posted by desspec on May 12, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You can thank the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was good intentions; bad law. Any time a bad law is passed, people will find a way to get around it.
Posted by jca on May 12, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey you
you are pissing me off. have you ever had an emergency c-section and massive swelling after. i have and needed the closer space for a few weeks. very few places offered them so i had to walk. which caused me horrible bleeding and more swelling. i had a temp placard for 6 weeks because i couldnt walk get a life
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 12, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Being extremely obese is NOT a handicap, either.
Park in a regular space and walk your fat a** to the store.
Posted by wallytowngrl on May 12, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was being sarcastic HEY_U _GUYS i didnt think you hasd one
Posted by CarolinaFrog on May 12, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a blue placard and live in S'ville. I attempted to park in the HandiCap slot at the CableTV office and another woman had parked in it "just to run inside to drop off a bill and a box" she yelled to me as I sat waiting on her. She also locked her keys in her car and left it running. So, I called the S'ville police and they came and ticketed her for the full fine amt and I took pix. I was ready to go to her court hearing with pix and my story, but the court said she paid the full fine.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't care if I'm pissing you off.
Posted by wallytowngrl on May 12, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a handicap parking permit and most of the time my husband lets me off by the door I have a bad breathing problem and my joints are very bed doc says soon I will need a wheel chair I only use the handicap parking when I drive and if I didn't drive I couldn't work if I didn't work I would be one more your taxes will be paying for. I get upset like everyone else when I see able body teens using the space because its grannies sticker and car no I don't know if they have the right to use it I do but use it as less as possible
Posted by carlosthedwarf on May 12, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the woman who said that she illegally parks because if she's late she'll be discplined: try getting up earlier. Better yet, try leaving earlier in the morning. It'll do wonders.
Posted by carlosthedwarf on May 12, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is so ironic considering the number of people who complain about "illegals" in this state yet they illegally park when it's convenient for them. Can you say "hypocrite"?
Posted by jmw29410 on May 12, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey_U_Guys.... congrats, you furry breasted amazon! You were too macho to use the assistance when you broke your knee. You ignored the expectant mother's courtesy spaces. You are soooo impressive. Did someone break your knee for you? It would not surprise me one bit. Yeah, you don't care who you piss off. And we don't care that you probably brush your teeth with Preparation H.
Posted by Larz13 on May 12, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I lived in Philly, one of the local TV stations had a reporter stake out some prime handicapped spaces to see if abuse was taking place. They noticed the same people were parking there (mostly able-bodied) and ran up to them with cameras rolling and they made the news that day.
The offenders? FAT PEOPLE! Most they had were in excess of 350 lbs! Now I am sure that they probably recorded many of these spaces and used the "cream of the crop" in the newscast. Still--this is not an excuse. In fact, the exercise would do you some good if you had to walk.
It led to some interesting and entertaining exchanges. In fact, I remember one pulling the race card. In another, a policeman ignored the confrontation between the reported and the offender.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jmw: Why do you always resort to name calling? Do you get a warm, fuzzy feeling to talk down to people? I bet you do. And it's not about being "too macho". I didn't NEED the placard or the expectant mother's parking. I was perfectly ABLE to walk on my own.
Posted by wallytowngrl on May 12, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it must be nice to know you are goin gto be healthy the rest of your life no joint pain no heart problem no breathing problems and stay thin your whole life
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wally: I'm not planning on being healthy my whole life, I have arthritis in my knee/fingers/toes, no heart problem, Asthma, and I'm not super thin. I just don't depend on a helping hand or hand out.
Posted by JohnS on May 12, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some students were saying go to the VA and talk to one of the guys who sit out front near the parking lot. They have a connection to get a tag for under $40.00 cash. Just limp a little if someone is watching you.
Posted by jkomorek on May 12, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There's an important aspect to handicap parking that I haven't seen addressed:
People in wheelchairs require handicap parking spaces because of extra space on the side that allows them access to a wheelchair.
My brother is in a wheelchair and I cannot tell you how many times we have had to park "down the road" or in another parking lot because there was no available handicap parking.
- He cannot use normal parking spots because he must get into his wheelchair from the side of his vehicle -
Frequently we will "valet" him by letting him out in front of our destination then park in a regular spot, though this is often not an option, primarily in high traffic areas.
Please keep this in mind when considering the use of handicap spots. They are not just closer for those that have a difficult time walking, they are also designed with space available for wheelchair access on the side. Next time you park in a regular spot, consider how you would fit a wheel chair next to your vehicle for a family member. That's why my brother needs handicap parking.
Posted by jmw29410 on May 12, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey_U_Guys... I don't "always resort to name calling", thank you. But don't go pretending you are superior and talking downwards about those who do take advantage of courtesy and assistance because you did not take advantage of these things. More power to ya if you decided to do that. It's all yours....the choice and the attitude.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 12, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ANY WAY, I stand by my opinion that if you are handicapped enough for the state to acknowledge it by giving you a placard or special plate for your car, you don't need to be driving.
Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 12, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All I can say is wow! I wonder how you can identify someone improperly using a handicapped placard just based on appearances? I for one do not look handicapped, but I do have an invisible disability. It's a little thing known as MS. Can't wait for someone to take a picture of my car and report me. As my t-shirt says, "I will gladly give you my handicapped placard, if you agree to take my MS too".
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 12, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To wallytowngrl and the others who bemoan being healthy:
Don't even start with that crap. Obesity is the CHRONIC imbalance of MORE calories eaten than calories burned during physical movement. Calories in vs. Calories out. No excuses.
Here's some low-calorie cheese to go with that whine.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 12, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A glimpse at some future headlines from the year 2030:
185-year $756.8 billion study: Diet and exercise STILL key to weight loss.
We're Getting Skinnier! Average Weight of Americans Drops to 250 lbs!
Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 12, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I forgot to add that I would not have a problem with providing my registration for my placard registered to me or my ID card from the company that makes my injection medication to law or traffic enforcement if they wouldn't be so rude when they ask for it. I have been asked for this information before and the officer point blank stated that I wasn't handicapped and I shouldn't be using my grandmother's placard. I was so upset simply because I felt that it was unprofessional. I gave him my information and he apologized for his rudeness, but it still rubbed me the wrong way.
Posted by ForPnC on May 12, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I recently had a visitor who has a needed handicapped card. He wasn't able to travel in my car and insisted that I drive his. I didn't drive his car unless he was with me. I've NEVER parked in a handicapped spot in my life! I felt so damned guilty hopping out of his car while in the handicapped spot. Then I would help him out of the passenger side and hold him steady while we walked to the store. I even asked him if I could drop him off right there at the door and then park. He said no, it makes him crazy when other people do that.
For the record - I park in the back of the lot. Walking is good exercise!
Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 12, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ForPnC: I wish I could park at the back of the lot. It would be a very welcome thing because then I would be closer to normal. I actually enjoy walking and it sucks that having this disease at such a young age (I'm 24 and was diagnosed at 18) has taken that from me. You shouldn't feel bad for helping your visitor. Atleast you were transporting someone who requires it.
Posted by ForPnC on May 12, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LadyTarHell -
My best friend has MS and now walks with a limp from the years of it ravaging his body. He's a fighter though! He doesn't have the least bit of guilt in parking in that space and he shouldn't!
Not all disabilities can be seen with the eyes, folks.
Posted by wonderdog on May 12, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I observed some "fire lane karma" a few years ago at a local store. As I was entering the store, a driver pulled up in a late model car, parked in the fire lane and proceeded into the store to do her shopping. As I was leaving the store several minutes later, I saw a young man who was gathering carts from the lot ask a shopper returning her cart to it a little push toward him. The cart suddenly veered and SMACK - right into the illegally parked car. All three of us shrugged and kept going. I laughed out loud when I got in my car.
Those who lend their placards to their kids and friends for their personal use should lose their handicapped parking privileges.
Posted by johnnylib on May 12, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you for writing about a problem that has been downtown for years. I watch MUSC employees get out of cars every day with illegal tags.
Posted by Reader on May 12, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What if the placards bore the photos of their owners? That way, anyone could easily tell whether the legitimate user was the one actually using the placard. There would not even be a need for the person's name to be shown on the placard. It would just be a very quick means of confirming the proper use of the placards.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 13, 2008 at 2:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Reader, that's a fantastic idea. That would certainly solve the problem.
Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 13, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I must agree reader, that would be a great idea. Then there would be no reason for a police or traffic enforcement officer or a civilian to approach anyone and risk getting hurt or offending some one.
Posted by mdtpace on May 13, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GeekGuy2008 is a moron. I can give you a suggestion for where to put your "box cutter". If asked by a cop or parking enforcement officer, someone using the disabled tag should have to produce documentation that shows that the tag is theirs. If there was an effort made to enforce this, people would stop abusing it. The fine is $400+ and I don't know how many people could afford to pay that more than once. The cost of enforcing it would more than be covered by the tickets issued. I would think that anyone who legitimately needs a disabled parking place wouldn't mind if someone questioned them if it meant that the people who are cheating the system are getting questioned and caught.
Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 13, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mdtpace: You are correct and that is the law. If you are asked by law enforcement or traffic enforcement; however, you have to remember that there are people out there who think they are the "handicapped parking police" and they have no problem with walking up to you and telling you that you are not handicapped and that you need to move your car. I have had both law enforcement (who should know to ask for documentation) and civilians do that to me and it really ticked me off. I think that is what GeekGuy was speaking of.
Posted by lady31 on May 13, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope everyone that isn't handicap be fine the maximum amount because I just don't believe everyone at the hospital is handicap. But if you notice every car parked on Rutledge and Ashley Avenue have a handicap hangtag. I'm glad someone is finally looking into this problem and maybe it will give those people who are handicap the spaces they need to park. KUDOS TO THE POST AND COURIER!
Posted by whycantitbebetterhere on May 13, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am tired of all of the blue parking and no one in it at Lowes - they maybe need to reassess the number of spots. However karma works this way - park with a tag to park close = less excercise and you get heavier. You get heavier, you are less healthy. Be less healthy - you may end up handicapped. Then you will have nowhere to park with your real tag because everyone is cheating. Karma always gets you in the end! I say walk and screw it. When you see an able-bodied person parking in a handi spot - mock them and make them cry.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 13, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LadyTarHeel, I LOVE the shirt you spoke of that says "You can have my handicap sticker if you take my MS, too." I hope you don't have to face a**holes like some of those above in your daily life.
mdtpace......
Make sure YOU keep YOUR nose out of other people's business and YOU won't have to worry about getting assaulted. Of course ID would be produced for a law officer, but YOU are not a law officer are you? Didn't think so. Not all handicaps can be visually noticed, so go about your own business and don't worry your little pea brain about whether or not someone else is illegally using a handicap spot.
I am on the side of LadyTarHeel and others who have a disabling disease that you may not be readily able to see.
Posted by mred98 on May 13, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Carlosthedwarf: I have worked downtown and No-I am not an abuser of the placard-but have dealt with the terrible parking issue. You said try getting up earlier or leaving earlier in the morning. Have you traveled on I-26 in the early morning? I tried leaving a few minutes earlier and I was still either late to work or about an hour early! I am a Mom and don't have that kind of time. I was also told that I couldn't come into the building that early. I don't have the $$ to sit and eat B-fast-what the heck am I gonna do for a whole hour? And no, I don't wanna sit in a coffee shop and stare at a bunch of people eating. On another note I am glad that the Post & Courier had the gumption to step up. So many people who could have done something about this haven't. Turning your cheek and placing tickets on cars who have gone 5 minutes over at the parking meter and "offering" park and ride at a PRICE is not the way to handle this. Most people want the convenience of having parking near their work-and especially free parking. Parking in a lot that takes 20 minutes to get to is not good if you have an emergency and have to leave work-also, you have to leave 20 minutes earlier than you would have had to. Is this new parking garage being built downtown gonna be for the higher ups at the hospital/University? For patients? Oh, and before anyone tells me to quit my downtown job-I have.
Posted by mdtpace on May 13, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GeekGuy, douchebag, can you read. I never said one word about approaching someone, that's what I pay taxes for. What I am saying, not that you can understand, idiot, is that if the people parking unlawfully are weeded out, then the people who need the disabled spaces will have more options and not have to drive around looking for an open space. I would imagine that people with disabilities wouldn't mind the extra inconvenience of being asked, if they don't have visible disabilities, if they have proof that the tag is theirs. I have several family members who have disabilities and only use the tags when they are feeling badly, not every time they go out. Their logic is if the feel ok, why not park a little further away and leave the space for someone who needs it more, not an MUSC employee, worthless college student, or lazy jerk. So spare me your tough talk, douchebag, you sound like someone who is upset you may have to walk a little further.
Posted by dbrace on May 13, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The state ought to require Disabled Placards be re-issued from time to time. They should require the design to be changed every five years. Also they should put a sticker with the month and year on it like they they do on the license plates. Doctors should be accountable for issuing placards. Lastly but not the least abusers of the use of placards should pay a $200.00 fine and be posted showing how much the fine is.
Posted by gabe on May 13, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I read your article on handicapped parking violations and agree that something should be done about this. I am a handicapped female, who wears a brace and uses a cane for mobility purposes. During a 5-year stay in Hawaii, I was pleased to learn that they had a system of handling abusers. When applying for my handicapped placard in HI, I was also photographed and given an ID Card, labeling me as handicapped, complete with photograph and physical description. Several times I was stopped after parking in a spot and asked if I had my ID present. Sometimes I just placed it on the dashboard for all the world to see. It was very difficult for people to cheat, since at any time they might be asked to present their ID. I think such a system might work here in SC, especially in the larger cities where this problem seems to be prevalent.
Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 13, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dbrace: I'm from North Carolina and we have something similar. It's not a sticker, they punch holes in the plastic for the month and year it is supposed to expire. It makes it a lot easier to see the date and it doesn't rub off like the ones in South Carolina do sometimes.
Posted by duce275 on May 13, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"thanks in part to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which:
-- Gives drivers displaying placards and plates for the handicapped unlimited free parking in metered and timed spaces..."
The DMV is required by law to issue these Placards. Any blame should be directed to South Carolina law makers.
Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on May 13, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Simple answer: Anyone caught using a handicapped placard that isn't handicapped should immediately have both their legs broken.
After a few folks learn the hard way that taking advantage of the disadvantaged to serve their own greed, the rest of the public will get the message and fall in line. I'm a big fan of making examples of dumbasses. In fact, I'd start with geekguy2008.
Posted by gabe on May 13, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all you people out there who are "newly handicapped" and are able to take advantage of handicapped spaces, don't criticize those who have been handicapped since childhood and never had those advantages. Mostly we were mainstreamed into a non-handicapped world and made to conform, regardless of whether or not you could climb stairs, walk long distances, etc. I know because I suffered those hardships as a child and now, through some stroke of luck, I no longer have to conform. Sorry about that you folks, but I think I deserve a little consideration after years of indifferent behavior by the non-handicapped. And for those of you who are whining about whether or not you can see your handicap, get a placard and wear it around your neck.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 14, 2008 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mtd, you certainly sound and type like a juvenile. What kiddie names you use in your brave name-calling rant. I'm so impressed.
SE2KB...I love the idea to break the legs! Too funny.
Posted by onesuperb on May 15, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that some handicaps are not visual, however, SC needs to redefine and make sure the doctors signing off on the tags understand what is truly handicapped. I am married to a Vietnam Vet who is 100% disabled and is eligible for a disabled license tag. We didn't get the tag. His disability, severe hearing loss! Now why would he need special parking? He doesn't walk on his ears, will his ears get tired if he walks too far? PLEASE! As usual selfish, greedy, ignorant, and lazy people have found another way to get one over. Oddly, this abuse seems to have skipped certain ethnicities, Asian and Latino/Hispanic. Could they have a higher sense of values and morals? Just food for thought!
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 15, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
onesuperb, God Bless you and your husband. Please thank him for me (For his service to our country).