Oklahomans Make Adjustments For Higher Gas Prices

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With gasoline prices soaring past the three dollar mark, Oklahomans are making adjustments in their personal budgets.

Tim Stone says the price spike has an impact on the quality of his life, and he's already cutting back on luxuries.

"Like going out, or going out to eat, just everything--just work and go home," he said. "You know, that's all we can afford to do."

At the Service Station, a Norman restaurant, co-owner Jeff Crabtree has already noticed a drop-off in business.

"At lunch I kinda see someone that might be in two or three times a week, maybe only come in once or twice a week," he said.

Norman's Meals on Wheels program relies upon volunteers to make daily deliveries. Those volunteers are not reimbursed for the gasoline they burn on their routes. So far none of them have said they will cease volunteering, but the program's director worries what will happen if gas prices continue to rise.

To combat high gas prices, AAA Oklahoma's Chuck May said there several simple things consumers can do to conserve fuel:

• Check and replace air filters. Clogged filters can reduce gas mileage 10 percent.
• Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy by two percent per pound of underinflation.
• Keep front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
• Keep brakes properly adjusted to minimize rolling resistance.