High gas prices not fueling decline in driving

Drivers in the U.S. are significantly less likely to change their driving habits to accomodate high gas prices, according to a new study by AAA.

Roughly half of U.S. adults, 53 percent, are still doing something to offset high gas prices, the auto group said. That number is down 15 percent from levels in spring of 2013.

{mosads}”Many people seem to be feeling less pressure to make significant changes in their lives on account of high gas prices,” Bob Darbelnet, president and CEO of AAA, said in a statement on Thursday. “Less expensive gasoline may encourage people to drive more and worry less about the financial burden of filling up their tanks.”

The change comes as gas prices, on average, are less expensive than previous years and might not reach $3.65 this spring. That’s down 15 cents from last years peak and 30 cents less than in 2012.

Increased production and supplies have helped lower the price of gas. In 2013, the U.S. reached record levels of oil production, surpassing imports for the first time in decades.