How much higher would gas prices have to go for majority of American to alter their driving?

Question

I'd say $8 a gallon probably would alter most people's driving habits and contemplate buying smaller more fuel efficient cars.

Answer 1

Paying more for gas will just separate the 'have's and have not's'. To force a change in transportation alternatives (public transport), it would take rationing.

We may never know how long it will take to empty out the oil fields in the Middle East until they are empty. At that point, the US would just use up what we have.

Answer 2

People started altering their driving habits a while ago when gas prices jumped initially, after Hurricane Katrina.  Driving cross country in an RV became the most expensive way to plan a vacation, overnight.  People parked their vans and suvs and started driving smaller cars to work.  People in town bought bicycles or started taking the bus...  So many statistics point to the changes we're already making... Auto manufacturers are finally bucking the oil company's interference in fuel conservation technology and making hybrid vehicles more affordable and available to the public.  Alternative fuels are popping up everywhere, and everyone I know thinks about the cost of a trip out of town before making plans.  If you're asking when most people will start selling their cars and taking the bus or riding a bike, I'd say we're getting closer every day.

Answer 3

I have already altered my driving habits. I used to drive all over and not worry about gas, how many miles or how much I was spending on gas when it was below $2.75/gal. But now, I don't drive when I do not need to, I try to do all my errands at once. My trip to work was 32 miles but in the last 9 months, I have dropped it to 26 miles by going through the city instead of around it on our beltway. I don't go out for lunch like most of my co-workers do as much anymore.

I do see it going to at least $7 by the end of the year.

Answer 4

They say it will reach 8 bucks by 2009.  This will def alter there driving. But it already has altered a few. People sell cars and buy scooters or bikes. They actually run and walk to places now. And drive like slow as h**l.

Answer 5

I have already taken a bus and train.

And waiting for the best electric car.

Answer 6

I don't think it's a set number.  As the price goes up, more and more people alter their habits, based on their incomes. I would say around 40-50% of Americans have already done so, and that number will reach 90% (all but the very richest) if gas prices go up to say $6.