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WASHINGTON, D.C., (March 12, 2012) - With gas prices already up more than 50 cents in 2012, AAA recently conducted a survey to identify how drivers are changing their behavior to help offset higher prices at the pump. As a result of current gas price increases, 84 percent of respondents have already changed their driving habits or lifestyle in some way. Combining trips and errands was the most commonly reported cost-cutting measure with 60 percent of respondents reporting having already made this adjustment.
How Do Rising Gas Prices Impact Driving Habits and Lifestyle? |
While motorists may have little control over the price of gas, they can control the impact of higher prices by following a few of AAA's recommended tips:
Let AAA's free app find lowest gas prices - AAA's TripTik smartphone app also provides motorists with the most current and accurate gas price data available, by drawing on credit card transactions at more than 120,000 stations nationwide. Drivers can find the lowest gas prices close to home or on the road. The AAA app's GPS technology enables users to quickly locate stations on a map and see the price for all available grades of gasoline.
Plan trips in advance - When running errands, try to combine multiple tasks into one trip. Several short trips starting with a cold engine each time can use twice as much gas as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Also, plan the route in advance to drive the fewest miles. Online mapping tools such as AAA's TripTik Travel Planner are available to help plan routes and are free to all motorists.
AAA's telephone survey consisted of 1,024 adults and was conducted March 1-4, 2012. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
