WHITING, Ind., – With rising gas prices putting strains on budgets across the country, a new survey from CouponCabin.com reveals that many U.S. adults plan to make major changes to alleviate the pressure. More than one-third (36 percent) revealed that due to rising gas costs, they may have to give something up to afford to drive a vehicle. This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin from March 6th – March 8th, 2012 among 2,254 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.
U.S. adults revealed a variety of lifestyle changes may have to be made to keep them on the road. When asked what they likely will do to better afford to drive a vehicle due to rising gas prices, they said the following:
- Dine out less often – 70 percent
- Spend less money on entertainment (going out to the movies, attractions, concerts, etc…) – 64 percent
- Postpone seasonal clothes shopping – 37 percent
- Cancel paid online or other subscriptions (Netflix, Hulu Plus, etc…) – 22 percent
- Cancel cable, satellite or other TV service – 15 percent
- Reduce cell phone usage – 12 percent
- Cancel internet service – 5 percent
- Other – 16 percent
“For many Americans who are just getting back on their feet, rising gas prices can be a tough financial hurdle,” said Jackie Warrick, Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com. “In addition to making basic lifestyle choices to afford gasoline, 75 percent of adults are making changes to their driving habits to lessen the blow to their wallet.”
When asked how their driving habits would be affected by rising gas prices, U.S. adults who regularly drive a vehicle said the following:
- Plan to drive less overall to save money – 61 percent
- Plan to carpool – 9 percent
- Plan to use public transportation – 8 percent
- Plan to buy a hybrid/energy efficient vehicle – 6 percent
While some Americans will make various changes to alleviate the impact of rising gas prices, others are concerned they will have to rely on credit to get from point A to point B. Of those who regularly drive a vehicle, nearly one-in-four (23 percent) said it is at least somewhat likely that they will build up credit card debt to pay for gas in the upcoming months. Households with children (29 percent) are significantly more likely than those without children (19 percent) to indicate this.
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