Story By: Jonathan Weed
Nationally rising gas prices are affecting daily life, including for college students. After two years of the pandemic, spring break travel is expected to hit pre-pandemic levels, and that surge is predicted to drive up prices drastically.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas is $4.25.
Brady Ables, a junior at the University of Montevallo, says his travel plans were turned upside down due to high gas prices. “My family planned a fun road trip before these prices, and now I guess we will have to stay at home,” he said. “I hate it, but we just can’t drive with those prices.”
Brady isn’t alone. UM senior Cameron Cook is disappointed that he had to cancel his spring break plans. “I really just canceled like all of my Spring Break plans just to go see my family. And it’s just been really bad on my gas tank,” said Cook, who originally wanted to go to Disney World with his girlfriend. “Gas prices didn’t allow that. Honestly once I realized that, it was really depressing.”
My family planned a fun road trip before these prices, and now I guess we will have to stay home. I hate it, but we just can’t drive with those prices.
Brady Ables, UM junior
While it can certainly be sad when spring break plans go bust, there are many ways you can make the gas in your tank go a long way. Here are some simple ways drivers can improve fuel efficiency:
- Avoid hard accelerations. It greatly increases fuel consumption.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed.
- Download the app called “Gasbuddy” to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast until it is time to brake.
- Slow down! Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
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