We went out for breakfast recently to a place that we know has lots of space for hubby's PWC and there are good van accessible spots. The parking lot was empty except for two trucks--one pulling a huge trailer. Guess where they were parked. Yep, the truck with the trailer was pulled up just to the end of the handicapped slot (blocking it from the back) and the other truck was beside the trailer, blocking the spot next to it. They had managed to not interfere with any parking in the lot except the handicapped spots, and guess who came to dinner...err..breakfast.
Now since the entire lot was empty, we didn't fuss. I know there's no way the guys who belonged to those trucks missed us when we came in and parked that PWC right in the middle of the room. They said nothing when they left, but I'm hoping they think twice before doing that again.
The one that did tick me off was the big RV parked lengthwise through EVERY handicapped spot at Cracker Barrel one day. I was so ticked I left the table and went back out to walk around that rig. Nope, no handicapped stickers or tag. I mentioned it to the staff, but there was no accouncement, so I guess they shrugged it off. There was also no fine mentioned on the signs--perhaps because it's private property?
I have certainly become much more aware and considerate since starting this journey. I will NOT use the handicapped stall if there is another empty, even if I'm the only one in the restroom. You just never know when someone will come in who needs it. The things we didn't think of BALS (Before ALS).