Nearly three quarters of Americans (74%) are very concerned about rising gasoline prices, and almost two thirds (65%) expect to reduce the number of trips they take by car this summer, according to uSamp.
Women (80%) are more likely than men (69%) to say they’re very concerned, and those who live in the South are more likely than residents of other regions to be very concerned.
When asked about transportation alternatives they’d consider to contend with rising gas prices, the majority (69%) would choose to simply limit the trips they make by car. A quarter (25%) would carpool and 23% would consider getting a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Only a fifth (20%) would consider taking mass transit, and 15% would think about buying a hybrid or electric vehicle.
The younger the consumer, the more likely he or she is to consider alternatives such as carpooling and switching to hybrids or other fuel-efficient vehicles. Adults ages 25-34 and residents of the Northeast and West are most willing to take mass transit (likely because of greater availability in these regions).
When asked what they’d be willing to sacrifice in order to save money if gas prices remain at current levels or increase, women’s top sacrifices are eating out (62%) and shopping for clothes or shoes (57%); men’s are eating out (57%) and summer car trips (46%). Nearly a quarter of adults age 55 and older (24%) say they’re not willing to sacrifice anything, compared to 12% each of 18-24 and 25-34-year-olds.
Most Americans expect gas prices to increase by at least 30 cents per gallon in the next year; 55% expect prices to increase by 50 cents or more. [Automotive, Finance, Leisure]
Source: “Gasoline Usage Survey, May 2011,” uSamp, Gregg Lavin, Co-founder and President, 16501 Ventura Blvd., #250, Encino, CA 91436; 818-524-1218; sales@usamp.com; www.usamp.com
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