Mississippi drivers approach tipping point as gas costs strain lives

JACKSON — A new survey from Advance America found Mississippi drivers say they would begin cutting back on essentials when gas reaches $4.56 per gallon, about 80 cents above the $3.76 average price reported April 7, but many residents say rising fuel costs are already straining daily life.

The national survey of 3,002 drivers found that in Mississippi lifestyle expenses are often the first to go: 41% of respondents said they would cut back on dining out or takeout, while 29% pointed to travel and leisure. More concerning, 13% said they would reduce grocery spending and 3% said they would cut back on health care or medications.

Respondents reported a range of coping measures. About 40% said they would drive less, 19% said they would combine trips or plan routes more carefully, and 17% said they would seek extra work or side income. Fewer said they would switch to public transportation (8%), carpool (7%) or change jobs to shorten commutes (5%). Nearly half — 49% — said they feel extremely or very stressed about fuel costs, and 33% reported moderate stress. Thirty-seven percent said rising gas prices have forced them to rely on credit or borrowing, and 43% said they canceled plans with friends or family because of fuel costs.

“Gas prices don’t just hit wallets — they change behavior,” said Laura McCutcheon, vice president of marketing at Advance America. Nationally, the survey found variation in thresholds: Vermont residents reported cutting back at $4.28 per gallon, while Alaska drivers reported the highest tolerance at $6.02 per gallon. While Mississippi is not yet at the survey’s stated tipping point on paper, the findings suggest many residents are already making sacrifices. We will provide more information as it becomes available.