My child will suddenly pull away from me and start running. So, as you could imagine, this would be a disaster in a parking lot .. he has no idea to look or wait for cars, so, I have one. I've never taken the last handicap spot and will only use it if there are at least 2 other spots open because I would not want to take a spot away from someone who is in more need of the space. To get a placard, a doctor has to fill out part of the application and provide a valid reason for one. This is most helpful to me in a very large parking lot that offers many spaces.

Two reason come to mind for me... One is if the person is unaware of safety needed to walk through busy parking lots because of inattention/bolting or be facinated with vehicles/wheels.... and the other because of the need for a "quick" getaway if person engages in inappropriate behavior or tantrum/meltdown...

Don't feel guilty if someone is legitimately disabled and need the handicap placard. There's plenty of empty handicap parking slots at most places.