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Fuel Cost Has Drivers Changing Their Ways

Survey Says Most Changing How They Drive

Thursday, July 10, 2008 – updated: 1:36 pm EDT July 28, 2008

As fuel prices climb to record highs, a majority of Americans said they are making lifestyle changes to combat that.

Survey: Are Gas Prices Changing Your Lifestyle?

According to an Edmunds.com survey, 95 percent of respondents said that as a result of high gas prices they would be making lifestyle changes, with 93 percent of respondents changing the way they drive or maintain their vehicles.

"This is a fascinating insight into how quickly consumer behavior is changing in response to high gas prices," said Philip Reed, Edmunds.com senior consumer advice editor. "Based on the results of the survey it appears we are moving into a very different era both on the highways and in the showrooms."

The survey found that nearly 50 percent are driving fewer miles or combining errands to reduce fuel consumption while 44 percent responded that they are driving slower or less aggressively to increase their fuel economy.

While most -- 65 percent -- aren't shopping for more efficient cars yet, $5 per gallon gas will have more than 50 percent looking for a gas-sipping car.

Almost three-quarters of the people surveyed believe that the national average of regular gas will stay below $5 during Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

The survey was available to Edmunds.com home page visitors from June 20-25, with 1,312 people responding.

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