KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As gas prices keep going up, the American Automobile Association (AAA) said driving habits must slow down.
“I think it’s hard to change the culture of driving,” Evan Washechek said.
AAA said there’s no one easy fix or solution, but it could start with a person's driving habits.
“Defensive driving will keep you safe on the roads, but it will also save you money in the long run,” Nick Chabarria, a spokesperson for AAA, said.
He said jackrabbit driving — where a person speeds up to try and beat the traffic — will only hurt them and their gas tank.
“Just a five-mile an hour increase from 65 miles per hour to 70 miles per hour, you lose nine percent on average on fuel economy making that little jump,” Chabarria said.
He says the optimum fuel economy on most cars tops out at 55 to 60 miles per hour.
“They’re going up, it doesn’t seem like they’re going to go down anytime soon,” Washechek said.
Washechek plans to start a carpool from Waldo to downtown Kansas City.
“At least we can get one car off the road,” he said. “I’ve been in some previous very successful carpools and it’s a great feeling when you see extra cash in your pocket.”
Washechek estimates he could save $2,500 in one year.
“I can spend less money, and I can save the environment and give more life to my car,” he said.
AAA said the Kansas City area is set to break the all-time high record for gas prices set in 2008 as soon as this week.
Current Gas Price Averages
Missouri: $3.73
Kansas: $3.74
Highest Recorded Average Price
Missouri: $3.94 — 07/16/08
Kansas: $4.02 — 07/16/08
Besides changing the way you drive, experts recommend the following tips to save on gas:
- rotating your tires
- getting regular maintenance
- getting rid of extra weight in your car
- avoiding rush hour
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