Over 90 Percent of Americans Are Changing the Way They Live Because of High Gas Prices

Even as oil prices reach a new high , it seems everyone wants to know how these huge changes are affecting US drivers. Mapquest hired a thir...

Even as oil prices reach a new high, it seems everyone wants to know how these huge changes are affecting US drivers. Mapquest hired a third party surveyor to conduct a survey on how gas prices were affecting their lives. 92% responded that gas prices were already forcing lifestyle changes.

MapQuest collaborated with DMS Research to conduct the survey. A National sample of 1,001 Internet users (age 18+). Interviews were collected from June 5 - 11, 2008.

High Gas Prices are Forcing a Change in Every Day Life
63% said gas prices are already having a significant impact on their life.
80% are forfeiting day-to-day activities and changing their spending habits62% are eating out less
46% are shopping less, enjoying less entertainment or going to coffee houses

High Gas Prices are Forcing People to Drive Differently 
82% are making a conscious effort to drive less
57% are planning routes more carefully
31% are only filling gas tanks partially
24% are walking or biking more
24% are turning to the internet to search for cheap gas prices

Americans Are Going Into Debt to Fill Up
76% say gas purchases are increasing their overall debt

Travel Plans Are Being Changed
58% are the most concerned with cost of gas vs airplane ticket fare.66% of consumers say gas prices have caused them to alter vacation plans
34% have canceled vacation plans altogether
37% are opting to take shorter road trips

Feeling the Heat
27% feel oil companies are to blame for continually rising prices
13% feel the federal government is the cause
78% feel the federal government should step in and set limits on gas prices

All in all, not a pretty picture.  No wonder hybrid cars and more fuel efficient cars are in such high demand while trucks and larger SUVs suffer.

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