- 81% of Americans have changed their transportation habits due to costs.
- 20% are driving less than a year ago, with 7% of those driving much less.
- Gas prices are nearly 30% more expensive than a year ago due to Iran war.
Between soaring insurance costs and sky high gas prices, it’s little surprise that drivers are looking for ways to save. This is pushing a surprising number of Americans to change their routines.
According to a new LendingTree study, 20% of Americans are driving less than a year ago and 64% of those respondents cited high gas prices as one of the top reasons. That’s not shocking as the national average price of a gallon of gasoline is $4.07, which is 93 cents more than a year ago. That’s a 29.6% increase and it can largely be blamed on the war/stalemate with Iran.
More: Gas Returns To $4 Per Gallon As Iran War Heats Up
Despite the fact that gas is expensive, 34% of respondents said they’re driving more than a year ago. This includes 56% of Gen Zers and 52% of parents with children younger than 18.
Zooming out, the study suggests 81% of Americans have made changes due to the cost of driving or transportation. These include “combining errands into fewer trips (38%), driving less overall (31%), and searching for cheaper gas before filling up (28%).” Some people are also avoiding certain trips, while others have delayed vehicle purchases or maintenance.
Speaking of costs, 10% of respondents said they spend $1,000 or more per month on transportation. 30% spend less than $100, while 26% shell out between $100 and $249. Lastly, 20% spend $250 to $499, while 14% spent $500 to $999.
However, it’s important to note only 68% of respondents said they drive and have regular access to a vehicle, so those numbers are likely skewed towards the low end. This could also help to explain why 29% of them reported carpooling about once a week. That sounds high and the practice is most common among Gen Zers, who are relatively young and may not have a car.
