In today’s economic environment, many Canadians are opting to purchase used cars to help save money. By doing this, drivers can also save anywhere from five to 25 per cent on auto insurance premiums for vehicles five years and older.

With the current uncertain economic climate, more Canadians are looking for creative ways to cut costs. So it's no surprise that vehicle owners are shopping around for better deals on their car insurance.

Car accidents can be overwhelming and confusing, but knowing what to do can help alleviate some of the stress.

"Being in a car accident is an unnerving experience so it's easy to lose focus in the moments afterward," says Tim Bzowey, vice president, Home and Auto, RBC Insurance. "However, if prepared, drivers can avoid making harmful and expensive decisions immediately following a collision."

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're ever in a car accident:

Do:

March 17, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON, March 17, 2011 -- From your windshield to your bumpers, plastics provide safety benefits in ways you may not see.

In the face of an annual average of more than 140,000 auto crashes on Canadian roads, it's good to know that many plastic vehicle components -- both seen and unseen -- contribute greatly to reducing the potential for injury.

Simple Tips Protect Your Vehicle During Cold Temperatures and Tough Driving Conditions

LONDON, Ont. – With winter weather comes salty, sandy roads, foggy driving conditions and limited visibility for your vehicle. But a few simple tips from can give your vehicle the equivalent of winter parka and ski goggles to protect it all winter long.

Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is? You know where they're going to be as soon as you wash your car. Bird droppings have a high acid content, so they are one of the worst threats to your car's finish. Along with tree sap and spills of gasoline or other automotive fluids, these are things you should wash off immediately.

They seem to pop up by magic almost overnight. Spring temperatures warm the cold pavement, melting and evaporating any ice. This creates air pockets that can eventually cause the pavement to break up. A winter of heavy snow or rain and several freeze-thaw cycles can mean a big pothole season ahead!

More and more households are run by single women, so women are responsible for vehicle maintenance in a growing number of households and families. Even if there is a male partner in the household, many women are still responsible for their vehicle's maintenance. Historically, women have reported that they felt they were treated differently than their male counterparts by repair facilities.

Sometime not too far from now, perhaps as we near the May 24th long weekend, or maybe when school is finally out in June, Canadians will dust off the station wagons and sedans and get ready for a summer road trip. One question they should be asking themselves – 'Is my car ready for a holiday road trip?'

New Family Road Trip Guide Focuses on Easy Tips for Saving Gas, Protecting Environment and Ensuring Safety