Public Opinion Polls taken by Columbia Star’s Cub Reporters: John Dixon, Benjamin Davis, Sydney Kornegay, and Amber Hendrick.How are gas prices affecting you?

“I am going to work and back home. No more out of town trips. Last weekend I went to Charlotte to visit the Cheese Cake Factory and just the gas cost me $40!" Steve Hatfield

“I love to travel to the beach when I can, but it costs too much to head down that way now,” Joanne Henry

“I am now watching unessential trips and unnecesary purchases to conserve resources. I must get get high a mileage car,” Diane Davis

“I cut back on car travel, combine errands, and stay home as much as possible,” Mary Hanna

“I am consolidating trips and becoming more energy efficient,” Helen Rapaport

“It cuts into my money. I drive as little as possible,” Ute Linnan

“I’m writing big checks,” Steve Smith

“Gas prices are affecting the fact of whether I can come home from college or not.,” Anthony M. Porter

“I’m not driving as much. Short trips, such as to the mall, are cut out as a result of gas prices,” Betsy Meade

“I did not travel over Labor Day weekend but instead stayed in Columbia,” Ashlee Rickard

“I have to plan weeks in advance because I drive to and from Charleston and I don’t want to get stranded,” John Riggs

“Drive Less!” Ronica McCray

“I ride my bike to work everyday and make my bike racks on my car as aerodynamic as possible,” Tom Sunday

“I’m broke,” Maribel Cruz

“I try to combine my errands and plan out my trips,” Betty Kornegay

“I drive much more conservatively, I try to plan out my trips,” Joyce Hearn

“I carpool with people and try not to drive as much,” Stephen Taylor

“They haven’t affected me yet. I have two jobs on opposite sides of town, so a car is necessary to get to my job. I don’t think the prices will affect me too much as long as they don’t go far over $3,” Dorlene Gordon

“I drive to school most days, but because of the increasing gas prices I will have to walk on occasion. I also want to save a full tank for my mom, so I will have to cut back on my travels,” Katherine Myers

“I’m forced to budget gas as I budget my other household bills,” Devin James

“Gas prices are affecting me because my friends are deciding not to drive which cause me to cut back on going out since I’m currently without a car,” Tremaine Hendrick

“Gas prices are so high now that after I leave work I will probably pickup my son, go get groceries, and then stay home for the rest of the weekend,” Tressia Moorhead