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MapQuest Survey Finds That High Gas Prices Have Caused 94% of Consumers to Make Lifestyle Changes


WEBWIRE

One-Third Have Cancelled Vacation Plans; One in Four Turn to the Internet in Search of Low Gas Prices

Denver, Co.– Historically high gas prices have caused 94% of consumers to make lifestyle changes to keep costs down, according to a survey sponsored by MapQuest, http://www.mapquest.com. Among the changes: they’re planning routes more carefully (57%), walking or biking more (24%), partially filling their gas tanks (31%), and making a conscious effort to drive less (82%).

In addition, 66% of consumers say that high gas prices have caused them to alter vacation plans, with 34% canceling their vacation plans altogether. Another 37% have opted to take shorter trips that are closer to home.

“There’s no question that rising gas prices are having a significant impact on the lives of consumers across the country,” said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. “Our survey shows the extent of the hardships consumers are experiencing as well as the concessions they’re making to off-set these costs.”

Other top-line survey findings include:

* More than 80% of respondents are forfeiting day-to-day activities and changing their spending habits by dining out less (62%), giving up heating and air conditioning (19%) and resorting to only paying the minimum balance on credit cards (18%). Additionally, nearly one out of ten consumers are stopping or cutting back on medications.

* More than half of consumers are unwilling to take road trips over 100 miles.

* Twenty-four percent of consumers are turning to the Internet to search for cheap gas prices, and more than half intend to utilize websites to determine the cost difference between driving and flying when planning their next trip. Additionally, when evaluating modes of transportation for a trip 58% of consumers are the most concerned with cost of gas vs. airplane ticket fare.

* Seventy-eight percent of those surveyed feel that the Federal government should step in and set limits on prices and 27% of consumers believe the oil companies are to blame for the continually rising gas prices.



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