April 19, 2012
4/19: Nearly Eight in Ten New York Drivers Feel Pinch at the Pump
NY1/YNN/Marist New York State Poll
The higher cost of gasoline has created increased financial strain for New York State drivers. According to this NY1/YNN-Marist Poll, 78% of New Yorkers with gasoline expenses report the increased cost has put, at least, a moderate amount of strain on their family budget. This includes 36% who say it has added a great deal of strain and 42% who feel a moderate amount of financial stress. 12% report gas prices have not added very much strain to their personal finances while 10% say it has added no stress at all.
Click Here for Complete Thursday, April 19, 2012 NYS NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Release and Tables
These results are comparable to those found nationally. In a recent McClatchy-Marist Poll, 77% of adults nationally reported they have experienced, at least, a moderate amount of strain due to increased gas prices, 12% said they haven’t undergone very much financial stress, and 10% reported they did not have any strain at all.
“People are experiencing significant pain at the pump,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, “Many are changing their driving habits, and a notable number expect to change their vacation plans.”
Not surprisingly, income is a factor. Half of those who earn less than $50,000 annually — 50% — say they have experienced a great deal of financial strain as a result of higher gas prices. This compares with 33% who make $50,000 to just under $100,000 and 19% of those who earn $100,000 or more.
Table: Amount of Financial Strain Caused by Higher Gas Prices
U-Turn for NYS Drivers… More Than One-Third of New Yorkers to Change Travel Plans
Nearly six in ten drivers in New York State — 58% — have changed their driving habits because of high gas prices. 42%, however, have not.
Regionally, gas prices have had a greater impact on upstate drivers. 63% of those living in the region say they have altered their driving habits. 54% of New York City drivers and the same proportion of those in the city’s suburbs — 54% — report the same.
There are gender differences on this question. 63% of women compared with 53% of men have changed their driving practices thanks to high gas costs.
And, 35% of New York State adults believe they are likely to change their vacation plans because of high gas prices. 64% say it is not very likely they will adjust their plans, and 1% is unsure.
Income plays a role. 43% of those who earn less than $50,000 a year say it is likely they will re-think their vacation plans. 34% of those who make $50,000 to just under $100,000 and 20% who bring in $100,000 or more believe it’s likely they will change their vacation plans.
Table: Impact of Gas Prices on Driving Habits