For many drivers, backing up can be a real pain in the neck--or back. It also can be difficult to see out the rear of many vehicles, particularly vans and SUVs, but also some cars because of the back window design.

Fortunately, a variety of auto accessories can make backing up--and parallel parking--easier. They're also particularly helpful for families with small children, as well as pet lovers, who want to be extra careful to check behind their vehicles before backing up.

At the low-tech end of the spectrum, a simple set of wide-angle mirrors that attach to a vehicle's outside mirrors can reduce or eliminate blind spots to the sides of a vehicle, as well as make it easier to see exactly where a car or truck ends. They're also great for parallel parking, since you can use them to see how close you are to the curb--and being able to see the rear tires also helps you avoid backing over anything (or anyone!). Some replacement towing mirrors also feature a built-in wide-angle section, which makes backing up--with or without a trailer--much easier. Companies that offer wide-angle clip-on and towing mirrors include Beach Manufacturing Co. (http://www.beachmfgco.com/), Bestop (http://www.bestop.com/), Lucerix (http://www.lucerix.com/), Magna Mirror Systems (http://www.magnaint.com/), Muth Co. (http://www.muthco.com/), Poli-Auto (http://www.poliauto.com/), Power Vision Towing Mirrors (http://www.powervisionmirrors.com/), Schefenacker Vision Systems (http://www.schefenacker.com/), Seiwa (http://www.seiwa-c.co.jp/) and Wheel Masters (http://www.wheelmasters.com/).

Another view-enhancing option is a clear wide-angle lens that attaches to your rear window. It makes backing up easier by showing what's not commonly visible below the rear window, and it also enlarges your field of vision while you're on the road. These lenses are available from such companies as CIPA USA (http://www.cipamirrors.com/) and Falcon Wings (http://www.safe-eye-view.com/).

A more high-tech option is a rear-mounted camera system, which is also useful when hooking up to a trailer. These systems include a black-and-white or color camera that gets mounted on the rear of your vehicle. Some cameras mount to a trailer hitch, some replace a third brake light, and some can be mounted anywhere you choose. All of these systems require a monitor so you can view the input from the camera, but the monitor and camera sometimes are sold separately. There are several styles of monitors available, including monitors that attach to your rearview mirror, monitors that mount in the dash or center console, monitors that are part of the stereo head unit and monitors that are built into a replacement rearview mirror. Rearview camera systems are available from such companies as Audiovox (http://www.audiovox.com/), Audiovox Specialized Electronics (http://www.asaelectronics.com/), Clarion (http://www.clarion.com/), Hilborn Motors (818-345-2113), Magna Donnelly (http://www.donnelly.com/), Rosen Products (http://www.rosenentertainment.com/), Santeca Electronics (http://www.santeca.com/), ShowFX (http://www.hitchcam.com/) and Wysco (http://www.wysco.com/).

Beeping light bulbs that replace a standard reverse light bulb also can alert people that your vehicle is backing up, although they have not proven very effective in protecting pets and young children. DesignTech International (http://www.designtech-intl.com/) is among the companies that offer beeping backup light bulbs for vehicles.

Another high-tech choice is a backup warning system (also known as a backup alarm, backup sensing system or collision avoidance system). These systems use microwave or ultrasonic technology--including one or more sensors mounted on the rear of the vehicle--to locate obstacles. This information is transmitted to a display inside the car or truck, which provides an audible and/or visual warning to let you know you're nearing an obstacle. For instance, some systems begin to beep slowly when you are about 7 feet from an object, then beep more frequently (or urgently) as you get closer. These systems are available from such firms as American Road Products (http://www.americanroadproducts.com/), C-Back International (http://www.c-back.com/), Karbiz Associates (http://www.karbiz.com/), Mobilistics (http://www.mobilistics.com/), Nassau Technologies (http://www.nassautech.com/), New Millenneum Technologies (http://www.newmillenneum.com/), Rostra Precision Controls (http://www.rostra.com/), Sense Technologies (http://www.sensetech.com/), The Third Eye USA (http://www.3rdeyeusa.com/), VDO Performance Instruments (http://www.vdo.com/) and Wiland Industries (http://www.wilandind.com/).

Backup safety aids of all sorts can help reduce property damage, protect people and animals, and make driving easier for anyone who has trouble twisting around in the driver's seat.