Record high petrol prices in the US have left consumers feeling the pinch according to a new report Consumer Reports Auto Pulse Survey on gas prices from the National Research Centre.
According to the report fuel price rising are expected to have the following effects on people lives;
- 73% will drive more slowly and accelerate more smoothly in order to save gas
- 71% will drive less
- 63% will reduce spending on restuarant meals and entertainment
- 52% will have more difficulty paying for essentials like food and healthcare
- 50% will cut back on vacation plans
- 43% will walk or ride a bicycle more
- 43% will carpool more
- 32% will use public transport more
This attitudes survey provides an interesting insight into the potential impact of fuel price rises. Previous studies in the UK have found a link between rising fuel prices and reduced travel so that element of the survey rings true, is not a little exaggerated. The figures express peoples intentions rather than their actual behaviour in relation to fuel price changes, but it is interesting to see how other non-transport or ‘secondary order’ effects stack up in household cuts. Interestingly using public transport more receives the lowest score. Although the UK is very different to the US it would be interesting to see if public transport also came such a long way down the list…
