Parking in a Handicapped Space

Howard Upchurch in Garland, Texas, writes:

I have mobility problems and thus have a handicapped placard for my car. Say I enter a parking lot that is almost full, but with two open spaces, equally distant from the store entrance. One is designated for people with handicaps. The other is undesignated. This presents a quandary. If I take the handicapped space, the other one will soon be filled, and the next handicapped person will have to park farther away. But if I choose the unmarked space, allregular drivers will have to do without close-in parking. Which slot should I choose? 

Marilyn responds:

I would choose the undesignated parking space. Even if another good spot doesn’t open soon, let a few of those non-handicapped people get a little exercise. You’ll be doing them a favor! You’ll also be doing an even bigger favor for the next handicapped person who wants that designated space.