MapQuest Survey Finds High Gas Prices Causing Changes in Most American Lives

Since MapQuest reaches millions of drivers every day, we set out to determine how the high price of gas is affecting consumers and what we can do to help.

We hired an independent research firm to poll 1,001 Americans and asked for their opinions about various issues relating to the impact of historically high gas prices.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES/ECONOMIC IMPACT:

When asked at what point gas prices will have a significant impact on life, 63% said the prices are already there. In fact, an amazing 92% of consumers have made lifestyle changes such as:

• 82% are making a conscious effort to drive less
• 57% are planning routes more carefully
• 31% are only filling gas tanks partially
• 24% are walking or biking more

Planning ahead and using MapQuest's convenient Multi-Point routing feature is one way consumers can save gas. Users are able to plot up to 10 locations and handle their errands in one trip.

More than 80% of respondents are forfeiting day-to-day activities and changing their spending habits. While many consumers are giving up discretionary items such as eating out (62%) or shopping less (46%), enjoying less entertainment or going to coffee houses, other consumers are being hit harder. Some consumers are also being forced to cut back on essentials such as heating/air conditioning and medications due to the cost of gas.

The overall financial impact is driving more consumers to pay for gas with credit cards, and 76% consumers say that gas purchases are increasing their overall debt.

GAS PRICE RESOURCES:

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Consumers have increased activities on ways to find the cheapest gas with 24% turning to the Internet to search for cheap gas prices. More than half of those surveyed also intend to utilize websites to determine the cost difference between driving and flying when planning their next trip. Additionally, when evaluating modes of transportation for a trip 58% of consumers are the most concerned with cost of gas vs. airplane ticket fare.

TRAVEL IMPACT:

Not only are the gas prices affecting consumers' lifestyles, they're also significantly affecting their travel plans.

• 66% of consumers say gas prices have caused them to alter vacation plans
• 34% have cancelled vacation plans altogether

Even if consumers are taking a road trip, 37% have opted to take shorter road trips that are closer to home. In fact, prior to increases in gas prices, 13% of consumers thought a 100 mile road trip was a reasonable distance to drive now more than half of consumers feel a 100 mile road trip is reasonable.

WHO'S TO BLAME?

With nearly everyone feeling the pinch of high gas prices, the survey looked into who American's feel is at fault for the situation.

27% of consumers believe oil companies are to blame for continually rising prices and 13% feel the Federal Government is the cause. Additionally, 78% of those surveyed feel that the Federal government should step in and set limits on gas prices.

Overall the survey certainly shows the extent of the hardships consumers are experiencing as well as the concessions they're making to off-set these costs. Look for MapQuest to add additional features in the near future to help our more than 48 mil users every month.