Hurricane Katrina Prompts AAA To Issue Gas-Saving Guidelines

ORLANDO, Fla.--Sept. 2, 2005--AAA today issued a set of fuel-conservation instructions for motorists struggling with the strain of record-high fuel prices and might be worried about gasoline availability in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

AAA's energy conservation guidelines, excerpted from the brochure "AAA Gas Watcher's Guide," are available from AAA clubs and can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.aaa.com/news and printed.

"AAA is calling on all Americans to learn and follow fuel conservation techniques during the next few weeks that will help the nation cope with the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the gasoline refining and distribution system in the United States," said AAA President Robert L. Darbelnet.

(Editors note: AAA President Robert L. Darbelnet will testify on fuel prices and availability before the Senate Energy Committee on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Copies of his testimony will be available from AAA on Tuesday morning.)

"AAA is deeply concerned by the huge price increases at the nation's gas pumps we have witnessed this week. Even more disturbing, however, are the scattered reports of fuel shortages at individual gas stations caused by tight inventories, and by the panic buying of gasoline by some motorists," he said.

"For this reason, AAA is urging fuel conservation as an immediate priority for all Americans and the most effective way individuals can protect themselves from high prices and the possibility of a local fuel outage."

AAA fuel economy tips are found in a 12-page brochure that covers a variety of ways motorists can save fuel during day-to-day driving, or while taking longer distance trips.

The advice encourages motorists to systematically rethink their approach to fuel consumption, rather than adopting one or two techniques. Some of the key tips contained in the guide are:

-- Change driving attitudes. Make fuel conservation top-of-mind when choosing which vehicle to drive, the distance of the destination, and what trips and errands to run.

-- Consider driving style consequences. Save fuel by slowing down, maintaining steady speeds and avoiding rapid acceleration and sudden stops. Leave plenty of time to reach destinations and don't let the engine idle.

-- Don't pursue fuel savings that are counter-productive. Topping-off a nearly full gas tank or joining gas lines out of a sense of panic will contribute to the possibility of fuel shortages. Shop for the lowest gas price with your steering wheel, but don't drive excessive miles hoping to save a few cents per gallon.

-- Practice good vehicle maintenance by making certain tires are properly inflated, the air filter is clean, the engine and chassis are properly lubricated and spark plugs are in good condition.

-- Check your vehicle owner's manual to make certain the grade of gasoline being purchased is the correct one. Most vehicles are designed to operate on lower cost regular gasoline.

-- Save money by considering car pools and public transportation as a form of commuting if available. Car pools for school, children's activities and shopping can also cut fuel costs. Car pools can be especially effective over the next few weeks in cutting the nation's fuel consumption.

-- Consider telecommuting one or more days per week, if that is a possibility where you work. Ask about arriving earlier, or leaving later from work to avoid wasting gasoline in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic.

"By adopting as many of these tips as possible, Americans will be able to protect themselves from high prices and potential fuel outages during this difficult time," Darbelnet said.