For the last eight months, Americans have consistently driven less. The Federal Highway Administration says Americans drove 12.2 billion miles less in June 2008 compared to June 2007. They are saving at the pump by spending less time behind the wheel.
"I do drive less," says Paulette Middlebrooks of West Blocton. "Cause we have to. We can't eat and drive, too."
"As high as gas done got, you have to," says Camarian Smith. "You got to save all you can."
That in turn has driven gas prices lower. It's all about supply and demand. "It's definitely simple economics," says Dr. Stefan Norrbin, the Chair of Economics at the Brock School of Business. He says if Americans want to keep gas prices low, they will have to change their driving habits permanently. "Have they changed their behavior enough to start carpooling, buying hybrids or walk a few blocks?"
Sharyne Wallace is making a big change with a smaller, Smart Car that gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway. "I think you need to evaluate if it's a smart move for you maybe with one vehicle, start there."
John Cross of Trussville says he can't change much. "I live in Trussville. I'm locked into to driving that 25 mile trip each way."
But he believes we can drive gas prices even lower, by making the current trend of cutting back in some way a real lifestyle.
"You have to make choices. Sometimes they're not easy."
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