Texas AAA Members Change Driving Habits

HOUSTON, May 30, 2008 - Because of the record high gas prices of recent months, more than half of AAA Texas members have cut back significantly on the miles they normally drive, and more than two-thirds are combining errands to reduce driving, according to a new survey released by AAA Texas.

The survey found that those with annual incomes of less than $50,000 were the most likely as a result of high gas prices to combine errands, reduce speed for better fuel economy, or check tires for proper inflation.

"There is no doubt that gas prices are having a big impact on many Texans," said Mark Bell, regional vice president and general manager for AAA Texas. "Drivers are changing how they drive and how often because of the relentless upward swing in gas prices."

The most common action taken in the past two months by AAA Texas members in response to the higher gas prices was to combine errands (70%), followed by:

• Reducing overall driving (52%)
• Cutting back on eating out or entertainment (33%)
• More frequently using the household vehicle with the best fuel economy (29%)
• Reducing average driving speed to increase fuel efficiency (28%)
• Regularly checking tires for proper inflation (26%)
• Telecommuting (10%)
• Cancelling a planned vacation (9%)
• Using another means of transportation such as transit, biking or walking (8%)
• Buying a car that gets better gas mileage (8%)
• Carpooling or vanpooling (6%)

Other actions members have taken include shopping for the cheapest gas and setting strict limits on how many miles they drive or how often they use the car.

While many AAA Texas members have taken two or more actions to save money on gas, 15 percent stated they had not made any changes in response to higher gas prices.

Most of the actions listed are taken more often by members with annual household income less than $50,000. Many more of those with income less than $50,000 are combining errands (80 percent compared to 70 percent overall), checking their tires for proper inflation (36 percent compared to 26 percent overall) and reducing speed to save money on gas (42 percent compared to 28 percent overall).

The AAA Texas member survey was conducted via email during the week of April 24-30 and polled 327 members.

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