The warmest months of the year are approaching and people are
hot about the nation’s soaring gasoline prices. One of these truths
will have to give when motorists decide between long, tank-draining
trips and keeping it local.

So, are motorists feeling the heat of gas expenses locally?

“I have two kids. What do you think?” said one young woman.

According to AAA East Central, on May 30, the average gasoline
price was $3.095 per gallon in Bradford, $3.084 in the Western
Pennsylvania region and $3.197 nationally. Just six days prior, a
national all-time high was set with an average of $3.227 per
gallon.

The young woman revealed it recently has been costing $40 to
fill her Chevrolet Cavalier with gas. As of now, has no plans to
leave town for the summer.

One area resident who does have travel plans is Allison
O’Donnell.

“Seeing how I travel to Chautauqua Lake and I drive a
sport-utility vehicle, (the current gas prices) have a significant
effect on my wallet,” she said.

O’Donnell cautioned that if things get out of control, her
attitude may change.

“At this point, I would not change my plans,” she said. “But, if
I see (prices) going up much higher, I’m rethinking my travel
plans.”

One interesting point O’Donnell alluded to was the possibility
of drivers shifting to more fuel-efficient vehicles.

She explained that she owns an SUV “because of conditions in
Bradford in the winter.”

“However, if gas prices continue to rise, we might all have to
rethink our car choices,” O’Donnell said.

She reported her SUV as currently requiring $48 to fill up,
after only needing $42 just a month and a half ago.

Another SUV operator, Marie Haynoski, believes her vehicle costs
about $50 to refill.

“I think I have a leak in my gas tank,” Haynoski said with a
laugh.

“My daughter’s co-worker filled up her company van at work and
she said it cost her $90.”

It is not surprising that few are pleased with the amount of
cash they’re paying at the pump. But, to O’Donnell, it seems that
while motorists are always complaining about gas prices, there is
little initiative to do anything about it.

A possible solution? Join together and “everyone stop buying
gasoline,” she said.

According to Pennsylvania Gas Prices Web site, the highest rate
in the state on Thursday was in Girard. People there were paying
$3.34 a gallon.

The same Web site noted the trend in the country Thursday was
3.174.