Released: May 09, 2008

Gas prices rattle Americans

Source: Judy Keen and Paul Overberg, USA Today

Record high gas prices are prompting Americans to drive less for the first time in nearly three decades, squeezing family budgets and causing major shifts in driving habits, federal data and a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll show.

As prices near — or in some places top — $4 a gallon, most Americans say they are cutting back on other household spending, seriously considering buying more fuel-efficient cars and consolidating their daily errands to save fuel.

Americans worry that steep gas costs are here to stay: eight in 10 say they doubt today’s high prices are temporary, the poll finds. It’s the first time such a large majority sees pricey gas as a long-term problem.

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