Chloe Oliver of Foxworth writes a community column for the Marion County Informer. Her column appears every Wednesday.

Imagine that you must go to the store for needed items. As you park your car, other cars park beside and in front of you. They are so close, that you are unable to exit or move your vehicle. You must wait for them to do their shopping, exit, and move their cars. You are at their mercy. You might experience feelings of anger, frustration, or a sense of unfairness.

   This scenario sounds implausible. However, for many handicapped citizens, it is reality. Each day, cars in Columbia are seen parked in the blue lines beside handicapped parking spaces. These lines are there in order to allow people with wheelchairs and lifts to exit and enter their cars. They are not parking spaces. When cars are in these spots, a handicapped person must now wait for you to finish your shopping before they can exit or enter their car. Frequently, no handicapped marking is seen on cars in handicapped spaces. The able-bodied can be seen sprinting from such spots.

   A recent poll asked people why they illegally parked in these spaces. The most common answer related to convenience or being in a hurry. Studies also indicate there are more violations during rainy weather. If you think that you are inconvenienced during rainy weather as you exit your car, you should really try it from the back forty of a parking lot while in a wheelchair or ambulating with a walker.

   While working with the disabled in Hattiesburg, I frequently escorted them on trips outside the facility. I was usually gratified at the courtesy of the public. In a nine-year period, I saw few instances of handicapped parking violations. Statistics indicate that police enforcement of these laws consistently reduces inappropriately parked cars. On those instances where rudeness involved violation of law, local  police were always willing to enforce the law. Usually, law enforcement responded in person. If that was not feasible at the time, I was asked to give them the tag number of the offender. Now, as my daughter, handicapped grandchild, and 6-month-old grandchild try to shop in Columbia, it is sometimes impossible. I have made pleas to local law enforcement. Although, we are encouraged to shop locally, it is often easier for us to do so in cities such as Hattiesburg.

   Some may assert that law enforcement are reluctant to go on private property in order to enforce these laws. Section 27-19-56 allows such authorization for law enforcement on public or private property and fees up to $200 for the first and second offense. If convicted more than twice, the offender is subject to license suspension and additional fines. The owner of the property may have the car in violation of law towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

   Much like “drug sweeps,” many cities have enacted “disabled parking sweeps.” While viewing the extra listed revenues for such cities, I noticed one in Florida with an extra $150,000 in one year from these sweeps. In my opinion, ticketing for handicapped parking violations would certainly generate as much revenue for Columbia as does law enforcement circling a parking lot waiting for those with expired tags to exit.

   Most of us never think that we could become disabled. We prefer not to think about such possibilities. In truth, illness, accident, and old age can befall any one of us. If citizens, communities, or nations do not defend the rights of the least or weak among us, then true civilization has not really been attained and the rights of anyone could be jeopardy.

   Handicapped parking is the cornerstone of accessibility for those with disabilities. For the most part, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act is not that difficult. Respect the rights of the disabled whether it be allowing them access to a store’s dressing room, restroom, or a needed handicapped parking space. Mark Twain said: “Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one.” Thanks to those who already honor the rights of the disabled and make life easier for them. If you are one of those thoughtless individuals who do not honor such rights-then shame on you.