Dealing with your blind spot

With SUVs, trucks and large cars growing in size, backing up can pose a serious problem for drivers. Even the most accomplished driver can't see blind spots, which can lead to costly repairs or serious injury.

A back-up camera is a small investment to protect your car, and those around you. It is especially a good idea if you live in an area with many pets or children. Between 2001 and 2003 alone, over 7,400 children ages one to 14 were treated for injuries after being hit by a car backing up.

Some new cars come standard with some kind of sensory device or camera to help drivers with rearward motion. A small camera system is mounted above the rear license plate and a color LCD monitor mounts to the inside front windshield with suction cups. The screen can be anywhere from 2.5 inches to seven inches, in size for easy viewing, and is wirelessly connected to the camera. The system provides greatly improved rearward visibility when backing up and helps drivers judge distances better when maneuvering backwards to park.

In addition to being a must-have safety device, a back-up camera also saves users a lot of money from repairs needed from avoidable accidents. While the average back-up camera costs $100, repairs to a mirror can be as much as $500, and back bumper replacements and repairs can run as high as $2,000.

A Peak Back-Up Camera System assists with parking and general rearward motion. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and can bring much piece of mind. Back-up cameras aren't just shiny new gadgets built for luxury. They can be cost effective and life saving. It's a small investment to make your vehicle safer and provide great peace of mind.