Family spending budgets also affecting communities reliant on tourism dollars
A new survey from CAA South Central Ontario suggests rising gas prices are forcing many Ontario families to rethink their daily routines - and even their summer vacation plans.
The survey found seven in ten Ontarians between the ages of 35 and 54 say higher fuel prices are affecting their day-to-day activities, with many cutting back on driving, takeout meals, and other discretionary spending to help balance household budgets.
Teresa Di Felice, Assistant Vice-President of Government and Community Relations with CAA South Central Ontario, says higher fuel prices are affecting much more than just trips to the gas station. She says transportation is a necessity for many families, and rising fuel costs are adding to the financial pressure households are already facing, with families being forced to rethink everyday decisions:
Di Felice says those choices don't just affect individual households. She says communities that rely on summer visitors could also feel the impact if fewer families decide to hit the road.
CAA says it will continue advocating for policies that help keep transportation affordable, while offering drivers practical ways to reduce fuel costs, and is encouraging drivers to make the most of every tank of gas by planning routes ahead of time, keeping up with vehicle maintenance and reducing unnecessary weight on their vehicles.
Di Felice says one of the simplest ways to save fuel is to ease up on the accelerator:
CAA is encouraging all drivers to plan their routes carefully, keep up with vehicle maintenance, and drive more efficiently to help stretch every litre of fuel this summer.
