For many people, driving represents independence. It gives them the ability to control their daily schedule. Students can drive themselves to and from school, to practice, to visit friends, run errands for their parents, or simply have the freedom to go places without having to rely on someone. Teachers can manage their responsibilities like getting to and from work, dropping off and picking up their children, and taking them to their extracurricular activities.
Recently, rising gas prices have started to change how often people use their cars and how students plan their week. Teachers are also trying to balance this issue with other expenses such as household bills, taxes, and providing for themselves and their children.
According to AAA, the current average gas price in the state of California is about $5.85 a gallon. A year ago, the average price was $4.81.
Junior Colin Turner said one of the differences he noticed was that even a small amount of gas is very expensive.
“I’ve definitely noticed how much gas prices have been changing. I feel the money coming out of my wallet every time I spend money on gas. Even filling up my tank halfway feels super expensive now,” Turner said.
He explained how these high prices have made him become more careful about unnecessary trips so that he can conserve the gas in his tank.
“I think twice before going out. I don’t really go out anymore unless I really want to. I’ve started to cut out eating trips with friends because I need the money for gas. I still get to the places I need to get to, though, like school and practice,” Turner said.
Junior Kavan Bowden also shared his opinions on the higher gas prices and how they affect his daily life.
“I try to limit driving unless it’s really important. I used to drive a lot more. Now I have to plan out what I want to do during the week before I go out,” Bowden said.
One of Bowden’s planning methods is combining his errands, so he won’t be driving all over the place using unnecessary gas.
“I plan everything, so I won’t waste gas going back and forth. It helps, but sometimes it means turning down opportunities to go out with friends. It sucks sometimes, but at least I’m saving my money for future hangouts,” Bowden said.
Teachers are also adjusting their routines as gas prices continue to rise. RCHS English teacher Mr. Scott Cooper explained how the impact of the prices goes beyond his daily routine. He said it has started to affect his household and how he spends overall.
Cooper shared that the gas prices have forced him to cut back on extra activities and certain purchases.
“I’m paying about $2.00 more per gallon, which prevents me from doing fun stuff. I’m paying about $20.00 more per tank,” Cooper said.
These changes might seem small, but they add up over time and start to affect people’s daily routines.
Cooper also explained that the prices rose so unexpectedly. When costs increase rapidly, it can make it difficult for people to adjust.
“I’ve always been against higher gas prices. California keeps voting for higher taxes and fees for gasoline, and it only affects the working class and the poor in a negative way,” Cooper said.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the federal tax is 18.4 cents per gallon, but California adds around 61 more cents plus other fees per gallon. In the recently published report “These States are Most Impacted by the Spike in Gas Prices,” these added costs hurt the lower-income and working-class households.
The rising gas prices not only affect people’s wallets but also their everyday lives. It influences decisions across campus, from how often students drive to teachers providing for their families. Turner, Bowden, and Cooper’s experiences provide a glance at what these changes look like in everyday life.
Across campus, something as ordinary as filling up a tank can affect choices in many different ways that teachers and students didn’t expect.
