ALBUQUERQUE, NM--(Marketwire - May 29, 2008) - Because of the record high gas prices of recent months, more than half of AAA New Mexico 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 New Mexico.
The survey found that retirees, who tend to have annual incomes of less than $50,000, were the most likely as a result of high gas prices to combine errands, reduce overall driving and cut back on expenses like eating out and entertainment.
"There is no doubt that gas prices are having a big impact on many Texans," said Ana Gonzalez, regional manager for AAA New Mexico. "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 New Mexico members in response to the higher gas prices was to combine errands (69%), followed by:
-- Reducing overall driving (51%)
-- Reducing average driving speed to increase fuel efficiency (36%)
-- More frequently using the household vehicle with the best fuel economy
(34%)
-- Cutting back on eating out or entertainment (29%)
-- Regularly checking tires for proper inflation (29%)
-- Using another means of transportation such as transit, biking or
walking (13%)
-- Carpooling or vanpooling (10%)
-- Cancelling a planned vacation (10%)
-- Telecommuting (7%)
-- Buying a car that gets better gas mileage (5%)
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 New Mexico members have taken two or more actions to save money on gas, 13 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 incomes of less than $50,000 and retirees. Among that group, 72 percent reported combining errands (compared to 68 percent of all surveyed), 65 percent reported reducing their overall driving (compared to 51 percent of all surveyed), and 40 percent reported cutting back on eating out or entertainment (compared to 29 percent of all surveyed).
The AAA New Mexico member survey was conducted via email during the week of April 24-30 and polled 327 members.
The AAA Gas Watcher's Guide, available at all AAA New Mexico offices, can assist drivers with tips on how to save money and gasoline. The offices also have copies of AAA's Your Driving Costs, which assists motorists with figuring out exactly how much it costs to drive their vehicle. The brochures are complimentary and available to members and non-members.
Contact Information: Contact: Dan Ronan (469) 221-8217 Rose Rougeau (713) 284-6552