Photo Illustration by Michael Uribes and Matt Weir / The Collegian
Students are once again noticing that their wallets are getting lighter as gasoline prices continue to soar. The average price of a gallon of gas crossed into $4 territory last week, and quite a few of them are feeling the strain.
Many are driving shorter distances, eliminating trips and in some cases, looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
“It makes me just want to sell my truck and get a car,” Fresno State student Anthony Velasquez said.
Those who commute often find themselves spending hundreds of dollars a month on gas just to get to school.
Is there anything that can be done to alleviate the situation? Nursing major Chelsie Grossman has a suggestion.
“Maybe look to carpooling rather than driving two separate cars,” Grossman said. “Don’t forget things at home.”
Marketing major Chris Arnold says he thinks about the expense when he’s driving.
“I’ll find places closer to home to go to, even though I may not like them as much,” Arnold said. “I like to go snow skiing, but I haven’t been because of the gas costs.”
At the southeast corner of Shaw and Willow Avenues in Clovis, University Market-Union 76 employee Joey Benjamin has seen a sense of frugality emerge in many of his customers.
“People stopped throwing down a 20,” Benjamin said. “Now they only buy 10 or 15 dollars worth.”
With no end in sight for these skyrocketing prices, local transit is an option. Would some Fresno State students consider hopping aboard a Fresno Area Express bus? The fare is just $1.25 each way.
“Never,” political science major Anthony Avila said. “I may drive shorter distances, but there’s no way I’d take a bus.”
Public administration major Paul Myers would take the bus only as a last resort.
“It would have to get to the point where I couldn’t find a friend to ride with,” Myers said. “Or maybe if it gets to $7 a gallon.”
There are ways to conserve gas, like buying a larger amount of food when one goes to the grocery store, so trips can be reduced.
Replacing worn out spark plugs can also be beneficial. According to the National Car Care Council, worn spark plugs can cost you up to 2 mpg in fuel economy.
Also, investing in a new gas cap can help keep your hard-earned money in your wallet. A faulty cap could cost motorists more than $50 a year due to evaporation. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, too.
AAA offers help to motorists who want save money on gas. Their website, www.csaa.com, provides gas price tools for your wireless phone as well as online, tips on conserving gas and information on alternative fuels and commuting options.
Still upset? There is a web site titled “I Hate Gas Prices,” to where enraged drivers can go and vent their frustrations.