Published: May 13, 2008 02:16 pm         

Motorists evaluate driving habits

The price at the pump held over the weekend in Morehead at $3.75. With such a sharp pocket pinch, many Americans are evaluating their driving habits to keep costs at a minimum. Although there are some drastic changes to consider when budgeting for fuel, locals have already discovered some handy tricks to conserve.

“I really want to buy a hybrid car,” Illene Powell, a local secretary, said. “They cost about $7,000 more, but in the long run it will even out with gas prices being so high.”

A salesman with a local car dealership, who asked not to be named, said it is nearly impossible to find a hybrid in Morehead. The cars are new to the market, and many hybrids, like the Tahoe, are built to order, and never see a showroom floor.

Others in the area are looking at their habits rather than their vehicles. “We don’t run around as much as we used to,” Nancy Hicks, a local schoolteacher, said. “Now we walk to the park instead of driving over there.”

It seems as if many local people are worrying more about where and how often they go. As gas goes up and everything inflates accordingly, prioritizing time in the car is a common trend. “We have had patients cancel appointment because they just don’t have the gas to get here,” Debbie Neff, a physical therapist for Saint Claire’s Outpatient Center said. “Some are scheduling appointments on the days that they go to the grocery or combining other errands.”

Habits that drivers have behind the wheel can affect how much gas a vehicle burns. Gadgets like the ScanGauge can be installed in a vehicle to help drivers learn to decrease speeds or eliminate costly aggressive driving tactics. The monitor, which is installed into the dash, shows drivers how many miles per gallon their car gets while they drive. Just by changing the way the car was driven, one online review of the product touts an additional five miles per gallon.

“I get optimum fuel performance going 55 miles an hour,” said David Carr, who commutes to Morehead daily from Mount Sterling. “I anticipate red lights and I don’t accelerate up hills and I have seen a big change.”

Making changes to the car is sometimes just as important as changes made by the driver. “Changing your air filter can help you get better gas mileage,” Mark Flannery with Advanced Auto Parts said. “The engine is basically an air pump, and incoming air is mixed with fuel. The more air you can get in the engine, the better fuel mileage you can get.

Cutting costs in other areas, by conserving home energy and riding bicycles or walking are popular for people who live close to grocery stores or work. For commuters and those who live outside the city limits, however, even small suggestions are welcomed.

Motorists can find some additional tips for driving more efficiently, keeping cars in shape, planning and combining trips, as well as choosing more fuel-efficient vehicles at www.fueleconomy.gov.