New Ordinance to Assist Disabled Drivers at the Gas Pump

Purchasing and pumping gas can be difficult for persons with mobility issues.  The dangers of getting out of the car in the middle of an area meant for vehicle traffic combined with using the credit card machine for payment and navigating the actual process of pumping gas makes this a virtually impossible task.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires gas stations wiith two attendants or more to assist persons with disabilities in purchasing and pumping gas. Unfortunately though the law does not specify how this assistance can be attained. As a result, most disabled patrons are forced to honk numerous times and/or wave their Handicapped Placards around to gain assistance.  This process can be frustrating, demeaning and unsuccessful. 

Thanks to the efforts of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, a new ordinance was adapted this month in South Florida that will bettter assist disabled drivers in getting assistance in pumping their gas.  The ordinance requires gas stations to post the gas station's telephone number on each gas pump. This will make it possible for disabled patrons to call the gas station in order to request assistance. 

The new ordinance seems to be the first of its kind. But the hope is that it will be adopted all around the country. Since the requirements are simple and costeffective it should be easy to accomplish. Call your County Commisioner in order to request this ordinance be past in your county.