How to Save Gas Part 1
The recent tragedy in the Gulf Coast has caused gas prices to jump dramatically.

As gasoline gets more and more expensive, and less available, the need to conserve it increases, both to save money on a personal level and to help avoid a repeat of the energy crisis of the 1970s. Those of us who endured long gas lines and only being allowed to buy gas on certain days of the week know how much of a hassle it can be and how many problems it can create.

Though there can be no comparison to the misery of the hurricane victims, we owe it to ourselves as a nation to use less gas. Gas shortages and long lines also reduce the overall productivity of our nation. Hours spent waiting in line instead of working or running a business can drag down the economy.

In the first part of this two-part series, I want to focus on ways to reduce your gas consumption on your daily commute.

To begin, examine your driving style. Though most of us hate speed limits, driving at the limit uses less gas. Speeding uses more. It is a simple formula. Whenever possible, and safe, accelerate slowly. Anticipate stops and reduce speed gradually, rather than stomping on the brake. But once again, do so only when safe.

Maintain your vehicle. Do all of the scheduled maintenance on time. Your car will not only operate more efficiently, thereby using less gas, it will also last longer and perform better.

Use the air-conditioning only when you need it. AC uses a lot of gas.
Look at your commute schedule. If you leave earlier in the morning and come home later you waste less gas sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Find out if your company offers flex time or telecommuting. Cutting back on commuting even one day a week can save a lot money and reduce stress.
Use public transportation. Many communities offer excellent public transportation (and many don’t). Check out the possibilities. If you don’t want to ride the bus or train every day, consider doing it once or twice a week. In addition to saving gas, it can save wear and tear on your car and on your nerves.

Form a carpool or find out if your company facilitates carpooling. Some businesses provide vans for that purpose. Check with you supervisor or HR person.

If you form your own carpool, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Carpooling can create some legal issues. Check with your insurance agent about your liabilities as a carpool driver and your rights as a passenger in the event of an accident.

Look for compatible people. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with these new “friends” in a very small space, so try to fine people you can get along with.

Establish rules. You can reduce misunderstandings and the possibility of conflicts by having firm rules that all must adhere to. Some of the things to consider are:

Arrival and departure. When do you leave for the office and when do you come back home.

Waiting. How long will you wait for someone who is late?

Radio and stereo. Will you play the radio or CD player? Who gets to decide what music you will listen to?

Eating and drinking. Will you allow food and drink to be consumed in the car?
Determine which car you will use and when. Will you use one person’s car each week, or a different car each day? Set up your schedule ahead of time and put it in writing so there can be no misunderstandings and no excuses. And everybody gets to work on time.

A CLOSING THOUGHT:

The possibility of gas shortages, short-term or long-term, may cause millions of us to make adjustments in our lives. It's too early to tell.

If there should be shortages, the added expense and changes to our lifestyles are miniscule compared to the suffering of the hurricane victims. Even once their initial suffering has been relieved, for most of them, their lives will never be the same.

For hundreds of thousands of Americans, homes, businesses, jobs, communities and loved ones are gone forever.

Who knows what the ultimate solutions for these people will be. I certainly don’t. But at least for now, we can each give little, even if it’s only a couple of dollars, to the many worthy relief agencies that are doing so much to help the victims.

Please consider doing whatever you can.

Thank you,

Danek S. Kaus