To my fellow Scoop readers:
With the 9 Days upon us, I’d like to bring up a topic which affects the less-fortunate of our communities. It’s the topic of selfish behavior, particularly about drivers who park in handicapped parking spots without authorization.
During this Tekufa of heightened awareness and empathy towards others, it is particularly egregious to see able-bodied individuals taking up spaces designated for those with disabilities. These spots are a lifeline for individuals who struggle with mobility, providing vital access to essential services and amenities.
Though this is a year-round issue, the 9 Days is a period during which we should be more mindful of our actions. Let us count our blessings and appreciate the fact that we are able to park further away and use our own two feet to get where we need to go.
This small act of mindfulness can make a significant difference in the lives of others. It will not only demonstrate respect for those with disabilities, but also embody the values of kindness and compassion that this period embodies.
Sincerely,
A local Baal Teshuva.
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It’s important to mention that only a very small minority of drivers would park in such a spot. Handicapped spots are usually vacant in my experience here. May we all follow the law & be considerate of others.
I agree 100% if you don’t have a disabled license plate or placard stay out of their spaces. You should thank GD that you don’t need them.
I agree. I’m an individual who can walk but not well. It is best if we park in handicap accessible spot. I can’t begin to say how many times I had to walk blocks before I got to my destination bec of ppl who park where they are not meant to. Please consider yourself fortunate that u can walk
thank you so much to the scoop for bringing this up
this is a huge chilul hashem i cringe each time i see this happen
Give tickets. No more problems.
Oops sorry, wrong township
very true maybe after a shopping trip be certain to secure the empty cart in a designated spot. This way the next customer doesn’t have to be concerned that a cart is taking up the spot or that it could damage a vehicle. A few minutes to return the cart can make a big difference.
I have gone many places and I actually see the opposite. Many open handicap spots and not enough spots for regular people. Where are you driving around Lakewood. Lets rather work on dan lcaf zechus.
Maybe the one or 2 cars that you have seen are in the same boat as the driver but somehow were not eligible or some other reason wasn’t able to procure a handicap placard. May there be an abundance of ahavas yisroel.
Can this be extended to parking in general?
Some people just pull up to a curb, get out, and then “just run in quickly”.
This is very dangerous. I have seen times where a person attempting to cross a street or go into a store almost get hit by another car. This is very dangerous.
I don’t understand this entitlement. There are plenty of parking spots available. Park in a legal spot, run your errand, and go on with your day.
This happens a great deal in the strip malls – parking where it clearly says “No Parking”, “Fire Zone”.
What about general ahavas Yisrael while driving. Be courteous and use a blinker! You will help your fellow drivers
I see drivers stop without pulling over to either pick up or drop kids and make traffic drive around them ,very inconsiderate and creates a hazard for all the other drivers who have to now go in a lane of oncoming traffic
OP,
Why do sign out “A local Baal Teshuva?” Are you not trying to integrate?
A local person
Don’t we all wish we were real Baalei Teshuvah?
B”H baalei teshuvos should NOT integrate, but rather should remind us of the big picture of how to behave in a civilized way and help us realize how we’re perceived outside our yeshivishe bubbles. C’VS they should ‘integrate’ and take on all of the habits we need to work on. Bein Adom L’Chaveiro comes FIRST, before livush and learning.
I’m honestly sick of this complaint being rehashed time and again. My wife actually has and needs a placard. Yet time and again an older person who probably moved here comes over to her and harasses her for parking in a spot she is perfectly entitled to. When she innocently shows them her placard she gets accused of being a party to some kind of shtick. BH she’s young and she looks great but you have no idea what she has to go through or how badly she needs that spot which you feel so entitled to. BH you just started requiring such accommodations a few years ago. She has been needing them for a while. So please act your age and mind your business for once. In honor of the 9 days stop judging people and stop being a know it all.
May everyone who uses the handicap spots have a refuah sheleima!