Any motorist with a mobility impairment, especially one requiring the use of a wheelchair, has likely encountered the difficulty of refueling at a gas station. Some of the challenges a motorist might face include broken or uneven pavement, nozzles that are out of reach, credit card slots and key pads that are too high, and watching out for other motorists who may not see you. The ADA and Florida Statute 526.141 require service stations with at least two employees to provide refueling assistance to disabled motorists, but that is easier said than done.
There are two typical ways that service stations recommend alerting a store employee that a driver needs assistance. The first way is by honking the horn. The problem with this lies with larger stores and checkout counters positioned near the back of the store, which can make it difficult for employees to notice a honking driver. The second way a driver is typically instructed to request assistance is via a button on the keypad at the pump. As mentioned earlier, these often are out of reach, not working, and require the driver to exit the vehicle and navigate difficult terrain.
There have been places around the country that have tried to overcome these dilemmas. In Michigan, stations have installed an “accessible” fuel call button to alert inside employees. Unfortunately, that is far from a perfect solution. It may still be difficult to reach for some wheelchair users and stations are resistant to add the device because of the cost involved.
In 2009, the Florida Governor’s Commission on Disabilities addressed this topic and began to consider the recommendation that service stations place a decal on the pump with the store phone number prominently displayed. This would allow drivers with cell phones to call the store and request assistance. Following that meeting, the Florida Gulf Coast Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) began contacting local representatives and owners of service stations. A few stores in Tampa agreed to place stickers on their pumps and gauge feedback from customers, as well as to uncover any potential problems. The trial period was successful and praised by both customers and store owners.
With successful implementation of these stickers at the trial locations, the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County approached Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman about developing a county ordinance requiring these stickers. Recently, the County’s Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance requiring stations to place a decal on the pumps with the store phone number listed. This will allow drivers with cell phones to call the store and request assistance. This ordinance applies to stores that have two working employees during normal business hours. The telephone number must be operational and is to be answered by the store employee. Additionally, the ordinance provides for a process to file complaints and enforcement of the policy.
Hillsborough County and the Florida Gulf Coast PVA should be applauded for their effort in developing and passing this landmark ordinance. This is a great example of how working with your elected officials to develop a common sense solution to a problem can be accomplished. Hopefully, an ordinance similar to this will be proposed and adopted throughout the state.