Gas guzzling proves costly.

• Position: Transportation

Pain at the gas pump has people looking for ways to cut costs, indicates a countrywide survey conducted by the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, Mayfield Village, Ohio.

In 2004, when prices topped $1.75 a gallon, half of all drivers surveyed claimed they would alter their automotive habits. When the very same question was posed in 2005 as gas prices reached $2.22 a gallon, 14% more consumers promised to revise their driving habits. The more gas prices rise, the more people are willing to change: 66% will alter how they drive if prices reach $2.40 a gallon, and 78% will if prices go to three dollars.

The majority say they will drive less often (52%), while others will go shorter distances (24%). Some will cut down on driving to see family and friends (23%). Moreover, 61% maintain higher prices will affect summer vacation plans. For example, they will vacation closer to home (24%), cancel plans altogether (14%), fly instead of drive (13%), or take day trips rather than travel to a destination farther away (11%).

In addition, three out of four drivers plan to implement lifestyle changes as a result of rising gas prices. They contend they will double-up on groceries in order to make fewer trips (47%), talk on the telephone rather than visit friends or family in person...