Millions of people are availing of disabled parking in America. It is important that disabled parking permit holders know how to stay safe. This means being aware of and understanding disabled parking safety advice in 2021.
This year, there are new guidelines concerning COVID safety that all disabled drivers need to know about. Staying safe as a disabled driver involves being a careful driver, being a responsible passenger, understanding disabled parking safety guidelines, and implementing COVID safety measures.
What Types Of Disabled Parking Permit Are Available In 2021?
In 2021, most US states have the following types of disabled parking permit available:
- Permanent disabled parking placard or plate
- Temporary disabled parking placard
- Organizational disabled parking permit
- Disabled Veterans license plate
Disabled parking safety needs to be a top priority for holders of all of these types of handicap permits.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For Disabled Parking?
The following conditions qualify a person to hold a disabled parking permit in most US states.
- Not being able to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
- Not being able to walk without the aid of an assistive device such as a cane, crutch, wheelchair, or prosthetic device
- Heart condition recognized as Class III or above by the American Heart Association
- Lung disease
- Portable oxygen tank usage
- Legal blindness
- An arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that curtails mobility
Staying Safe As A Disabled Driver
All disabled permit holders need to know how to stay safe when traveling in a vehicle. Plus, a handicap permit holder can use their permit in any vehicle they are traveling in, whether they are the driver or not; so knowing how to be a safe and responsible passenger is also important.
Disabled Parking Safety Advice In 2021
Staying safe while using disabled parking involves:
- Understanding and obey disabled parking rules
- Employing COVID safety measures
- Practicing safe defensive driving
- Being a responsible vehicle passenger
- Having your vehicle serviced regularly
Where Can You Park As A Disabled Parking Permit Holder?
As a disabled parking permit holder, you are entitled to park in designated handicap parking spaces in all places. These spaces are marked with the Universal Symbol of Access.
Disabled permit holders are also entitled to park in metered, time restricted on-street parking spaces for free and for longer periods of time in a lot of places. You should always check the specific rules of any area you are traveling to, because not all places have the same rules about parking in metered, on-street spaces.
You can use your home state’s handicap parking permit in all other US states, as well as in several other countries, including:
- Mexico
- Canada
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UK
- EU
What Are The Rules For Handicap Parking Spaces?
The rules for handicap parking spaces are set out in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA rules state that disabled spaces must:
- Be present in every parking lot in a certain number (which depends on the size of the lot)
- Be present on streets
- Be present in increased numbers near certain types of medical facilities
- Connect to the shortest accessible route to the amenity they serve
- Be eight feet wide for standard ADA spaces, and eleven feet wide for van-accessible ADA spaces
- Have access aisles that are at least five feet wide
- Be clearly marked by the International Symbol of Access
What Are The Handicap Parking Safety Guidelines For COVID?
Here is how to stay COVID-safe while disabled parking:
- Wear a face mask or shield
- Maintain appropriate social distancing
- Avoid physical contact with other people
- Sanitize frequently used surfaces
- Wash hands per CDC guidelines
- Use hand sanitizer
How Can Disabled Drivers Stay Safe While Driving?
Disabled drivers can stay safe while driving by practicing defensive driving. Defensive driving involves:
- Staying alert and keeping your eyes on the road
- Maintaining full concentration and minimizing distractions
- Slowing down at all intersections and junctions
- Staying a safe distance from other vehicles
- Making sure other drivers can see you
- Being aware of blind spots
How Can A Disabled Permit Holder Be A Responsible Car Passenger?
Disabled parking safety includes being a responsible passenger in the following ways:
- Wearing your seatbelt
- Speaking calmly and quietly
- Not distracting the driver
- Encouraging safe driving
- Navigating if necessary
- Never hurrying the driver
Featured image by Leonardo Lameu on Unsplash