With gas prices at record high levels for this time of year, AAA recently conducted a survey to identify how drivers are changing their behavior to help offset higher prices at the pump. As a result of current gas price increases, 84 percent of respondents have already changed their driving habits or lifestyle in some way. Combining trips and errands was the most commonly reported cost-cutting measure with 60 percent of respondents reporting having already made this adjustment. 
Nearly nine in ten (87 percent) respondents would change their driving habits if prices remain at current levels for a sustained period. The ways they would adjust show some interesting differences compared to changes they’ve already considered or adopted. In particular, the recent increase in gas prices has led 16 percent of respondents to purchase or lease a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Should prices remain at current levels, AAA survey results show that this number would more than double—jumping to 34 percent.
According to AAA, motorists will find Wisconsin gas prices averaging $3.82 per gallon today, the highest ever recorded on this date, and 31 cents more than last year. Some of Wisconsin’s lowest prices can be found in the La Crosse area, currently averaging $3.70 per gallon. The state’s highest average prices are currently in the Milwaukee area at $3.93 per gallon.
While motorists may have little control over the price of gas, they can control the impact of higher prices by following a few of AAA’s recommended tips: 
• Let AAA’s free app find lowest gas prices: AAA’s TripTik smartphone app also provides the most current and accurate gas price data available, by drawing on credit card transactions at more than 120,000 stations nationwide. The AAA app’s GPS technology enables users to quickly locate stations on a map and see the price for all available grades of gasoline. Visit AAA.com/Mobile.
 • Plan trips in advance: When running errands, combine multiple tasks into one trip. Several short trips starting with a cold engine each time can use twice as much gas as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Also, plan the route in advance to drive the fewest miles. Online mapping tools such as AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner are available to help plan routes and are free to all motorists at AAA.com.
 • Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance and properly inflate tires: Keeping a car running properly helps achieve maximum fuel economy. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and tire inflation. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to three percent.
• Drive the speed limit and be gentle on the gas and brake pedals: One of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve fuel is to change driving styles. Slowing down to observe the speed limit is safer and can conserve fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that each 5 m.p.h. driven over 60 m.p.h. is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Also, instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can lower a car’s fuel economy by up to 33 percent.
• Lighten the load: A heavier vehicle uses more fuel. Lighten your vehicle by cleaning out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. Also try to avoid using a car’s roof rack to transport luggage or other equipment—especially over long distances on the highway. A loaded roof rack affects the vehicle aerodynamics and creates extra drag that reduces fuel economy.
AAA’s telephone survey consisted of 1,024 adults and was conducted March 1-4, 2012.