By David Maillie

Everybody is concerned with saving as much gas as possible, most people claim that this is to protect the environment – especially after listening to Al Gore and Sheryl Crow on global warming. However, the truth be known,it all breaks down to money. What I actually believe is that, especially with gas prices increasing and nearing the $3 per gallon or more highs of post Katrina, they do this to save some of their money. Its as simple as that, increase the price of gas and more people will buy hybrid vehicles or similar higher mileage vehicles.

There are a number of different ways to reduce the amount of money you spend on gas every month, you could for example stop using your car as much and walk, carpool or take the bus when possible. Most people will not do this, however good their intentions may be. This is evident as one can still see many drivers with no passengers driving in the recently added HOV (Higher Occupancy Vehicle) lanes in many metro areas. These lanes were added to encourage car pooling and conservation and to reduce congestion. Apparently they have no or little effect as commuters will risk large fines just to get to work or wherever they are going a little bit faster. So what other ways are there that may be more effective?