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Explore Some Useful Info About Accessible Parking If You’re Using Crutches
Do you know whether you can apply for disabled parking if you are using crutches? Whenever you have an injury, your life becomes more complicated, especially if you require crutches to move around.
However, there is something that will make your life much easier. This is applying for a handicap parking permit to use in the meanwhile. This will get you access to parking spaces closer to the buildings and facilities you need to access.
As such, you will not need to move around much when you need to visit these places. In the following couple of sections, we look at all the things you should understand pertaining to accessible parking when using crutches.
1. Injuries that Need Using Crutches and Can Qualify you for a Disabled Parking Placard
When you are using crutches, it is usually due to the doctor recommending that you keep your weight off the injured foot or leg to ensure proper healing of the injury and get you back in mobility in the shortest time possible. Many injuries call for the use of crutches. They include:-
- Sprained and broken ankles
- Strained or pulled muscle tissue
- Achilles tendon raptures
In most cases, your doctor will usually recommend underarm crutches or crutches that are handled at the forearm. The underarm crutches are used for a majority of the injuries, but they quickly become uncomfortable and cause sore underarms.
Your doctor might recommend forearm crutches if you have an extended injury that requires the continued use of crutches. These let you control your movements better and are much easier to move on regardless of the terrain.
Whenever you obtain your crutches, be sure to make adjustments to match them to your height to move about in more comfort. Also, make sure that you follow all the instructions and advice provided by your doctor about the duration of your crutches.
2. How to Get an Accessible Parking Permit when you are on Crutches
If you are currently using crutches, getting a disabled parking permit is excellent and enables you to handle yourself and support your healing better. First, you should consult with your doctor to learn if they believe you could live easier with a handicap placard.
Usually, the people that require crutches will need to apply for a disability parking permit, and these are known to be valid for about three months.
The DMV in your state is the best way to obtain an application, and this can be done online or in person.
After getting the application, your doctor is required to complete the medical certification portion of the application to confirm that you need crutches, require parking spaces that are closer to buildings, and have limited mobility.
After the doctor has filled in their part, you can submit the finalized application to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and once it has been approved, your placard should arrive by mail.
If your disability is an extended one that needs you to use crutches, you have the option to apply for a permanent permit, which usually has to be renewed after a couple of years. Your doctor will help you to choose the best type of placard for you.
3. Driving with Crutches
It is still possible that you can drive even when you are using crutches. However, this is now always the best ideal, and even when it is not against the law to drive with a broken leg or injured foot, you should follow the instructions provided by your doctor.
If the doctor recommends that you abstain from driving when your injury is still healing, take note of their advice. Additionally, it is terrible when you are pulled over by the police or get involved in an accident and get fined for being involved in driving when you have an injury.
Even when you are not the one that is driving, you are still allowed to use the handicap parking placard in the capacity of a passenger. For this reason, you will still be able to have all the benefits and advantages that are provided by the permit, even if you are not the one driving
4. Important Things to Note when Using An Accessible Parking Permit
If you are on crutches, can you still be allowed to park in a disabled parking space?
Provided you have a valid disabled placard, and you will be allowed to park in all designated parking places. These usually have a unique marking with the symbol of a wheelchair.
The parking for handicaps using crutches is important as you will not have to move around as much as you are accustomed to, and getting to your destination will be much easier. When you spend less time walking to your destination, you will be able to stay energetic and won't have to feel uncomfortable in your underarm area or your injured limb.
You will also be less tired in general, and most of the facilities will be easy to reach when you are parking in a handicapped parking space. This convenience is essential for different people and even makes having a job possible.
Ensure that you follow all the signs put up and use the disabled placard only when you are the driver or passenger. This means that you cannot lend the placard to your friends and family members.
If your placard has expired and you need to get another placard, you can make a renewal application with the DMV. Once you have obtained the temporary placard, you will focus on getting healed and starting to walk much faster.
The tips provided in the sections above are handy for anyone on crutches and is considering applying for a temporary handicap placard to help them park in spaces that have been designated for disabled drivers. The process is simple in itself.
Once you understand the application procedure and all the requirements, you will park more conveniently and have an easier time getting to the building or facility you are visiting. You will also heal much faster when you are not moving about much. Are you now aware whether you can use disabled parking if you are using crutches?
References
1. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/disabled-person-parking-placards-plates/
2. https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Business-Partner/Pages/Parking-Placards.aspx
3. https://dmv.dc.gov/service/apply-for-disability-parking-placards-and-permits
