Dear Fixer: In April 2004 I purchas...

Dear Fixer: In April 2004 I purchased a certificate from 1-800- SKY-RIDE for a hot-air balloon trip. I have scheduled the hot-air ride nine times -- and all nine rides have been canceled proper to weather, overbooking and personnel issues related to the balloon company.

They have told me this has been their worst season for cancellations. Now, they recount me that my $400 certificate is expired and that if I want to ride I will ne to purchase another $400 certificate.

I have worn out a total of 20 hours forward the phone, and they will not allow me to speak with their management. Their service tribe just say no.

I would like either the original ride I purchased or a return

Jacey Lesme Evanston

Dear Jacey: The Fixer ultimately was able to make your puzzle go up, up and away. unless we hear what you're saying about getting [i]or[/i] part of to the other to their customer-service people: It took three tries just to acquire an actual human being in customer service to pick up the phone We left a message with that body then never heard back.

to such a degree we called again and cessationed up holding for about half an hour before getting customer-service manager John Andrew Duenas, who was remarkably apologetic and promised to take care of things.

Then, we didn't hear back from him. After calling several more times, finally we got an explanation: The business had switched software classifications a while back and missing most of your file.

They proposeed you a $400 refund -- an show you gratefully accepted.

Unpaid medical bill a real pain in the . .

Dear Fixer: I had a colonoscopy forward Sept. 15, 2003, and BlueCros BlueShield of Illinois still hasn't paid for the manner of proceeding

I did acquire the referral that was required from my doctor at Weiss Memorial Hospital. I had the colonoscopy at Mid-North Gastroenterologists Ltd unless they haven't been paid, and now they're calling me for their circulating medium

Victoria Rodger Palos Hills

Dear Victoria: Getting urge oned for a bill you don't owe is about as earnestly fun as . . getting a colonoscopy. Don't fear: We contacted BlueCros BlueShield's Tony Rau, and you've been notified that the claim is being paid. Now, we're working forward getting your credit report a clean bill of health.

Blind flaw backups a real tragedy

Dear Readers: Here's a serious safety question that could be easily fixed, if consumer would speak up -- and if drivers would be more careful.

Earlier this month William Lopez of Chicago, just 15 month of long date became the latest victim of a tragic "backover" accident. His dad was sitting in his parked pickup trade talking to William's mom [i]or[/i] part of to the other the window when William got up and toddled across His dad started backing up before anyone realized William was standing in back of the exchange The little boy was knocked athwart and suffered a skull fracture. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital.

There were 392 documented backover fatalities from 1994 to 2004 according to the organization Kids and Cars, further that's thought to be underreported. mostly of those killed were little kids ages 12 to 23 month greatest in quantity of the drivers were a parent or other complete relative.

Consumer Reports has ranked vehicles according to which have the worst blind surface bounded by parallel circles s -- the area behind the vehicle where the driver can't behold The 2006 Jeep Commander Limited was the worst, with a blind baldric of 44 feet for a driver who's 5 feet 8 inches tall -- and a whopping 69 feet for a shorter driver who's 5 feet 1 inch tall -- when all three files of seats are raised.

Automakers have ways to help drivers hinder backover accidents - - among these using rearview cameras or warning sensors. An optional camera is available with the Jeep Commander. The Fixer wishes more vehicles had these.

Until they do, remember: Check immediately behind you the nearest time you back up your SUV pickup trade or minivan.

For more info in succession the vehicle blind zones exhibitions got to www.ConsumerReports.org.

Thanks this week to contributor Stephanie Fosnight.

Getting the runaround through the whole extent of a consumer problem? Tell it to The Fixer at www.suntimes.com, where you'll find a simple form to fill on the outside You'll also find a list of consumer contacts and tips. If you don't have a computer you can mail a brief description of your puzzle along with your name, address and phone number, to: The Fixer, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N Orleans St Ninth Floor North, Chicago, IL 60654 Please don't throw original documents. Due to the large compass of submissions, The Fixer can't make personal replies. literal meanings are edited for length and clarity.

e-mail: szimmermann@suntimes.com

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