How A Parking Permit Can Help Disabled People Get Through Winter
Driving during the winter months can be a tricky thing. You have to be extra careful when traveling in bad weather, especially in snow or icy conditions. When you’re a disabled driver (or passenger), you’ll need to be even more cautious in order to avoid accidents once you exit your vehicle. That’s why it can be crucial to have access to close and convenient parking spaces wherever you travel. If you’re wondering how a disabled parking permit can help during winter, keep reading for more info.
What is a disabled parking permit?
Disabled parking permits are placards (or license plates in some states) that are issued by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They are awarded to individuals who have a qualifying medical condition that has been verified by a licensed physician. The placard allows its holder to access parking places that are closest to the front of public buildings so that they don’t have to walk long distances across parking lots. These placards can be a huge help for people with disabilities or mobility issues, since they assist in conserving energy.
Image by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash: Avoid walking a long way to your car in the snow by getting a disabled parking permit.
How do I apply for a permit?
You can easily apply for a disabled parking permit by going to your state’s DMV website. There you’ll find instructions on how to get a handicap parking permit in winter (or any time of year). The site can give you info on how to complete and send in your application, since these specific steps can vary from state to state. All states do require you to be evaluated by a licensed physician to determine if you have a qualifying medical condition, which can include anything from lung and heart disease to mobility issues from arthritic or neurologic conditions. Your physician can help you fill out the medical certification portion of your application. If you don’t have a medical professional to help with this, just contact Dr. Handicap, where you can be connected to one virtually from the comfort of your home.
Along with the opportunity to park in more convenient spaces, some states also allow you to park free of charge at metered parking places or without time limits in spots that are restricted to other drivers. Just make sure to check out the regulations for the cities you’ll be in to find out what other privileges you might be able to get as a disabled parking permit holder.
What extra struggles are there for disabled people in winter?
Weather conditions in winter can make it tough for people with disabilities to get around. They have to be extremely cautious to avoid falls or injuries when out walking or when they’re getting in or out of their vehicle. Without a parking placard, they would potentially have to walk long distances just to get to their location or to and from their car. With icy pavements or harsh winds, this can be a recipe for disaster.
Image by Donald Allen on Unsplash: Utilize the privileges of a handicap placard to help avoid getting caught up in risky winter weather.
Why a disabled parking permit is important during winter
If you’re wondering how a parking permit can help disabled people get through winter, here are some examples:
- Getting done with errands or appointments quicker because you won’t be out searching for a spot (or walking a long distance just to get to and from your car).
- Avoiding long lines of people waiting to get a spot, since you can just head straight to the designated handicap parking places.
- Having more stamina to complete the tasks you need to get done, because you won’t be completely sapped of energy from walking to your car.
- Ensuring you’ll get a parking spot even when there are a lot of other people competing for regular parking places.
- In some areas where there are no time limits on spots for handicap individuals, you wouldn’t have to rush back to move your car (so you could avoid slipping or falling) – or you can rest in your car until weather conditions have settled down and it’s safer to drive.
- Easier access to get in and out of a wheelchair-supported vehicle during rainy or snowy weather.
The best reason to get a permit overall is that you can avoid slippery roads or snowy conditions by getting closer parking places. By avoiding the elements, you can stay safe and avoid getting hurt while you’re outside.
Because the application process for a placard is fairly easy, there’s no reason you shouldn’t look into disabled parking permits in winter. Create a safer environment for yourself (either as a driver or as a passenger) by getting a placard today. A handicap parking permit can mean you can still get everything done, even when the weather outside is frightful!
Featured image by Aperture Vintage on Unsplash