9 in 10 Americas Worried About Soaring Gas Prices

photo credit: mikewade

Rising fuel prices are affecting Americans from all walks of life, and a new study says that nine in ten residents are very worried about how these costs will affect them.

Already, many have cut out the small luxuries, like a weekend at the beach, a fixer-upper muscle car, or a weekly night out on the town. 50% of those concerned believe that the effects of rising gas prices will effect them severely, and have already taken fairly serious countermeasures. Some Americans are driving less, others are turning off their air conditioning. Many are considering trading their gas guzzlers in for gas sippers.

The SUVs and pickup trucks that so dominated U.S. roads are slowly disappearing in favor of their hybrid versions and small cars, a reflection of American concerns. Nearly two-thirds of all citizens consider gas prices to be a very important current issue, beating out the economy, the Iraq war, and health care as the most-important issue of the day.

Many Americans also worry that there is no end in sight, wondering when gas prices will stabilize again. Feelings of sadness, nervousness, and worry are predominant, as families make small and large changes to their lives, not knowing what further measures will be necessary.

Throughout the United States, people of all economic and social classes are feeling the pinch of high gas prices. Adjustments are being made and long-term plans hatched, as Americans try to take control of something out-of-control.

Tags: Cars | Economy & Business News | Fuel | Gas Prices