Gas Prices On A Roller Coaster Ride This Summer

In the past month there has been a lot of talk about the cost of gas. Despite rising gas prices, many families say they are still planning to take a summer vacation this year.

“We go to Nags Head, North Carolina every year. We wouldn’t dream of missing it. With the cost of gas, we may cut corners in other ways, but we will still go,” said lifelong Crofton resident Janie Williams.

This is not surprising considering a new Orbitz Traveler survey published this month stating that 81-percent of consumers are still planning trips despite concerns about gas prices.

The survey also predicted that vacationing consumers plan to take an average of two week-long vacations, spending an average of $1,200 a person, and three weekend getaways, spending $300.

Terry Malone of Bowie says her family will not be taking a road trip this summer. 

“I think this year we are going to do a few weekend trips.  This is not the summer to take a week long car trip.  My mom lives in Florida and she will fly up to see us,” said Malone.  She goes on to say that her family is looking forward to visiting Ocean City Maryland and Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. 

With gas prices in Anne Arundel County around--and in some places over $4.00 a gallon--tracking them can feel like a roller coaster ride. Typically, the demand for gas spikes during the summer, when lots of people go on vacation. Holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July create tourist traffic during the summer and this high demand usually translates into higher gasoline prices.

Below is a sampling of Crofton, Bowie and Annapolis gas stations taken from www.Marylandgasprices.com.

Price

3.89

update

Royal Farms

1114 Carver Rd & Crain Hwy

3.93

update

Exxon

1276 MD-3 S & Cronson Blvd

3.99

update

BP

1334 Defense Hwy & Davidsonville Rd

3.99

update

Sunoco

2201 Defense Hwy & Patuxent River Rd

3.97

update

7-Eleven

730 E College Pkwy & US 50-301

3.97

update

Wawa

321 Buschs Frontage Rd near US-50 Exit 29

3.99

update

Exxon

317 Buschs Frontage Rd near Pointless Forest Tr

3.99

update

BP

6021 Highbridge Rd & MD-450

3.99

update

Exxon

16450 Harbour Way & US-301 S

4.02

update

Shell

15651 Annapolis Rd & Superior Ln

AAA suggests a number of tips for saving money on gas that are simple things people can do on their own without going to a  mechanic:

• Gently accelerate and ease off the gas as you approach red lights. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can lower a car's fuel economy by up to 33 percent, according to AAA.

• Drive the speed limit. It's the law, but it also helps conserve fuel. The DOE reports that each 5 mph driven over 60 mph is equivalent to paying an extra 24 cents a gallon for gas.

• Check the air in your tires. The DOE reports properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by up to 3 percent.

• Keep luggage off the roof. AAA said a loaded roof rack creates extra drag that affects fuel economy, especially with long trips on the highway.

• Keep up with vehicle maintenance. A properly running car improves the chances for maximum fuel economy. Check the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule or check with your mechanic.

• Find the lowest gas prices. Websites where you can check for gas prices include AAA's Fuel Price Finder in the For Your Car column at midatlantic.aaa.com; GasBuddy.com's MarylandGasPrices.com, and Automotive.com's www.automotive.com/gas-prices/31/maryland/index.html.