Many consumers are staying close to home this summer.

Most Americans trimmed their July 4th weekend plans–and many are giving up their summer vacations. Blame it on the high cost of gas. According to the US Dept. of Transportation, the drop in driving between March 2007 and March 2008 was the sharpest yearly drop in Federal Highway Administration history. And a new survey from the National Retail Federation confirms a change in driving habits. About 59.4 percent of consumers revised their Independence Day weekend plans because of record high gas prices. That’s a big increase from the 42.1 percent who said the same thing last year. The survey, conducted by BIGresearch, shows the vast majority of Americans–87.8 percent or 200 million Americans–are concerned about fuel costs.

Most Americans celebrated July 4th close to home, grilling or attending someone else’s barbecue, watching fireworks or attending a parade. Some–11.2 percent–traveled anyway. However, the majority say they’re rediscovering their own cities or regions. For ideas on what to do close to home, check websites such as:

• Roadside America offers maps, directions and details about 8,000 unusual tourist attractions nationwide.
• World’s Largest Roadside Attractions lists attractions that have been proclaimed as “the world’s largest” or are, “by virtue of their uniqueness or size, in all likelihood the largest.”
• Virtual Tourist reviews, tips and photos posted by travelers and local residents.

It’s no secret that gas prices are changing lifestyles. According to a survey by the Consumer Federation of America, the percentage of respondents who express “great concern” about gas prices in the next five years increased from 46 percent in Oct. 2006 to 73 percent this year. In addition, consumers are looking for cars that are much more fuel-efficient than the auto manufacturers have been providing.

Cars sold in 2006 got 2.3 more mpg than one built in 2002, and trucks got .87 more mpg. But consumers want their next car to get higher fuel economy by nearly seven mpg more than their current one, the survey found. In addition, 60 percent of the consumers questions said rising gasoline prices are causing financial hardship and 45 percent are driving less.

Consumers are already making dramatic changes in driving habits and vehicle care to save money. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, a Bethesda, MD-based industry trade group, said about one-third of motorists surveyed changed their ways when gas hit the $3 per gallon threshold. Another third planned to change when prices hit $4 per gallon.

About 90 percent of motorists surveyed say they’re driving less and 75 percent are taking better care of their cars. Properly maintained vehicles are more fuel efficient, safer and better for the environment.

A new analysis from the Natural Resources Defense Council shows keeping vehicles properly maintained, driving smoothly and using transportation alternatives one day per week can save the average driver about $800 on gas per year. “Americans are in real pain from high gas prices and getting our cars to go further on every gallon is the fastest way to save money, said Deron Lovaas, transportation policy director for NRDC. “Anyone who claims drilling for oil is the only answer to high gas prices is peddling snake oil to the American people.”

The new report stresses that the way to deal with high gas prices is by reducing demand through greater efficiency. It suggests strategies the AAIA and groups like the Alliance to Save Energy also recommend, including:

• Vehicle Maintenance - Tuning up and maintaining the engine, keeping tires properly inflated, using manufacturers’ recommended oil, and removing heavy unnecessary items from trunks and roof racks.
• Smooth Driving - Avoiding rapid acceleration and aggressive high-speed driving.
• Transportation Alternatives - Replacing single-occupancy car commuting one day a week with public transportation, carpooling, telecommuting or other options.

How much can you save? Here are estimates for the Top 10 Bestselling Vehicles in 2000:*

*Savings in table are based on making the most of the tips listed above and may vary depending on vehicle condition and previous driving habits. To see the data for all 256 models go to: http://www.nrdc.org/energy/fuelsavings-table.html

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