Disabilities shouldn’t inhibit a person’s lifestyle. Everyone should be able to shop, dine, and visit where they want. Finding a parking spot is the first hurdle when going out, but it’s often challenging for people seeking accessible parking spots. Learn about the common accessibility obstacles found in parking lots to understand why we need to make a change.
Uneven Surfaces Make It Troublesome To Operate Mobility Devices
The quality of parking lots is prone to decline over time. The asphalt breaks up, potholes appear, and the ground settles and becomes uneven.
Electric wheelchairs have the least amount of trouble navigating uneven terrain. However, people who use manual wheelchairs or other mobility devices (such as crutches, walkers, or canes) will find it difficult to maneuver. They risk damaging their mobile devices or sustaining injuries due to the unkept surface.
Accessibility Parking Spots Are Narrow
According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide and have an access aisle of at least 60 inches wide. The accessible aisles are marked with diagonal lines to discourage drivers from parking in the area.
Although these features are required for businesses, small parking spots are common accessibility obstacles. It becomes incredibly challenging for people to use their mobility devices and reach businesses with ease.
Drivers Disregard Accessible Parking Spots
Insufficient, narrow parking spots aren’t the only nuisances in parking lots. Many drivers disregard the signs altogether and occupy accessible parking spaces.
People might park their vehicles across the lines designated to help people exit side entry or rear entry accessibility vans. Then, people with mobility limitations might not be able to leave or enter their vehicle.
Few Accessibility Parking Spots Are Available
Most businesses include at least two accessible parking spots. This setup works for many small businesses and strip malls. However, people who need these parking spaces occasionally encounter situations when the parking spots are occupied.
No matter the size of the business, ample accessible parking spots should always be available. Large parking lots require an increased number of parking locations to accommodate everyone. However, not all people have the luxury of parking their cars anywhere they’d like. People with mobility limitations need handicapped spaces to improve their convenience and security in parking lots.
