hybrid cars are very quiet when they back up and when they go slowly through a parking lot. this means pedestrians in front of you have no idea at all that you're there. they wander all over the place, don't corral their children, stop suddenly, and generally create an awful situation. i really don't want to honk at them because it's rude and loud and will upset them.

the answer is a Bermuda bell such as fancy cars used to have in the 1950s. it makes a sound like a door bell--DINGDONG!--which is just about right for the task. however, nobody makes them anymore, and my attempts to google one up have not been successful.

so perhaps a bicycle bell glued to the outside rear-view mirror would work. the plastic on that mirror has a most amazing finish, though: nothing sticks to it.

my buddies on this forum have solved a lot of problems for me over the past few years--any ideas, guys?