If fuel prices keep rising at this rate, people are going to have to drastically change their attitudes. Drivers must learn to cope by changing their commutes or even relocating.   Europeans are already paying triple what Americans are shelling out for fuel.  However, they have the advantage of a public easily accessible transportation system.

There is already a transformation taking place.  The California New Car Dealers Association recently reported that during the first three months this year subcompacts saw the highest gains in sales.  During this same period, large SUVs and pickup trucks reported the largest losses.

People may find that their love affair with living in suburbia will fade as gas prices reach a predicted $7 per gallon within the next two years.  Commuting long distances will put a strain on people’s budgets, and people will opt for urban living where they are closer to their places of employment.  People will find that purchasing a slightly smaller home closer to their workplace for a similar price will make their lives easier.

In the meantime, people are making easy, short-term changes to their lives.  For example, people are either buying small, fuel-efficient vehicles, or holding onto their current vehicles and purchasing used car warranties to keep them running forever.