It’s not just in Alaska: Soaring fuel prices have caused a majority of Americans to drive less and reduce spending in other areas of their lives, according to a national telephone and online survey by Rasmussen Reports.
The survey found 81 percent of American Adults say rising gasoline prices are a serious problem for their personal budget, including 56% who say higher gas prices are a very serious problem.
Only 18 percent don’t consider the rising cost of gasoline a serious problem for their budget.
The survey of 1,000 Americans was conducted March 9-10. Those who identify as Republicans are more likely to say that rising gas prices are a very serious problem for their personal budget (68%). Fewer Democrats (47%) said that rising prices are a serious problem for their budget.
Republicans and black adults also were more likely to say rising gas prices are a very serious problem, (68 and 63% respectively). Whites and Democrats were less concerned, (57 and 47% respectively).
Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed are driving less because of rising gasoline prices, while 39% haven’t cut back on driving.
Sixty-one percent say the rising price of gasoline has caused them to reduce spending on other purchases or activities, while 35% have not reduced other spending. Also, more private sector workers (59%) than government employees (48%) said rising gas prices are a very serious problem for their personal budget.
Among those who say rising gasoline prices are a very serious problem for their budget, 75% are driving less. Among those who are driving less, 84% have also reduced spending on other purchases or activities because of higher gas prices.
This story first appeared in Rasmussen Reports. To see survey question wording, click here.
