Page 11 - AAA Magazine – Ohio Auto Club – September 2022

Key Findings
AAA: Drivers Change Habits to Counter High Gas Prices
Almost two-thirds (64%) of U.S. adults have changed their driving habits or lifestyle in
order to offset increases in gas prices since they started to spike this spring. Almost A new survey finds Americans are driving less as gas prices remain high
one quarter (23%) made major changes, while 41% made slight changes.
Almost Two-Thirds of U.S. Adults Changed Driving Habits or Lifestyle to Offset Gas Price Increase Since This Spring
Does not apply (have EV or don't drive): 9%
No changes:
28%
Made Changes: 64%
Major changes: 23%
Slight changes: 41%
New survey data from AAA finds that drivers are making significant changes to cope with record pump prices. Almost two-thirds (64%) of U.S. adults have changed their driving habits or lifestyle since March, with 23% making “major changes.” Drivers’ top three changes to offset high gas prices are driving less, combining errands and reducing shopping or dining out.
In March 2022, AAA released gas survey data examining the pump prices Americans would
view as too expensive. At that time, more than half (59%) said they would change their driving habits
or lifestyle if the cost of gas rose to $4 per gallon.
If gas were to reach $5, which it did in June, three-quarters said they would need to adjust
their lifestyle to offset the spike at the pump. At
that time, among Americans who said they would make changes in response to higher gas prices, a majority (80%) said they would opt to drive less. The new AAA survey reaffirms these driving habit changes.
While many Americans are adapting their daily habits to make up for higher gas prices, it also affects their future travel plans. With gas prices remaining volatile for the foreseeable future, consumers will likely be paying higher prices than in previous years. AAA offers the following advice to help drivers ease some of the pain they’re feeling at the pump:
• Keep your vehicle in top shape with routine inspections and in between, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires are a drag on fuel economy.
• Map your route before you go to minimize unneces- sary turnarounds and backtracking. Avoid peak traffic times and, if possible, go to “one-stop shops” where you can do multiple tasks (banking, shopping, etc.).
• Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can improve fuel economy by as much as 14%.
• Only use premium gas in vehicles that recommend or require it. Paying for premium gas for a car that takes regular is a waste of money and is of no benefit to the vehicle.
• To find the best gas price in your area, use the
AAA Mobile App, available for Androids and iPhones.
• When traveling, know that flights, car rentals, accommodations, tours, cruises and other activities are in high demand and availability may be limited. Finding last-minute deals may be challenging, so plan ahead and look for discounts and rewards, usually available through a membership like AAA. This also is another time when travel agents are a great resource since they may know of a deal that may not be readily available to the public. 2
In Response to Gas Price Increases, Consumers are Most Likely to Drive Less, Combine Errands, and Reduce Shopping or Dining Out
The 64% of Americans Who Reported Making Changes Adapted Their Driving or Lifestyle in the Following Ways (Multiple responses possible)
Have Made Changes Already
Drive less ...................................................................................88% Combine errands ....................................................................74% Reduce shopping or dining out..........................................56% Delay major purchases .........................................................30% Postpone vacations this year ..............................................29% Put aside less money for savings ......................................24% Carpool .......................................................................................16% Drive a more fuel-efficient vehicle.....................................13% Use public transportation more regularly........................5% Switch to an electric vehicle................................................2% Something else........................................................................5%
SEPTEMBER 2022 | 9