Tips for Summer Travel with High Prices at the Pump
BRIAN NELSON, CNN ANCHOR: And joining us now to talk about high gas prices and what we can expect for the Fourth of July travel period is Mantill Williams. He's with the AAA, and he joins us from Washington. Mr. Williams, thanks for being with us.</s>MANTILL WILLIAMS, AAA: Good afternoon.</s>NELSON: First of all, can you tell us, have you noticed any drop-off in travel plans this summer because of the high price of gas?</s>WILLIAMS: No. We haven't noticed any drop-off in travel plans. What we're noticing is a altering of people's traveling plans. People seem to be altering their plans in terms of their limiting their distance, and they're also cutting back in other areas of their trip, but they're or not canceling their plans.</s>NELSON: What do you make of this spiraling gas price? I mean, there, was an agreement by OPEC back in March to increase production. We, as a nation, I think were expecting some relief, but not only has relief not materialized, but prices continue to go up. So what do you make of all of this, especially in the wake of the latest OPEC promise?</s>WILLIAMS: Well, we think that it's a number of factors. Number one, you have the new regulations going into effect for reformulated gasoline. You also have the OPEC situation to where they're in the boosting output at the levels that we really need. We do have a supply problem, but the number one thing is the demand for gasoline is really strong in America right now, and we don't have overall energy policy. So it's going to keep coming back to that, coming back to the fact that we have this huge demand and we're depending on sources outside of our country to fulfill our needs.</s>NELSON: Drivers as they face their vacation plans are probably wondering what they can do to perhaps be a little more cost-effective. Have you got any suggestions?</s>WILLIAMS: Yes, we do. Number one, you want to use self-serve regular unleaded, unless you're owners manual specifically says you need premium, because that can save 10 or 20 cent per gallon. Keep in mind that a well-maintained car is fuel-efficient car, so just do minor things such as changing your oil, keeping your air filter clean, and making sure your tire pressure is at the right level. And basically, when you go out and travel, use the smaller more efficient vehicle, more fuel-efficient vehicle as opposed to the larger</s>SUV. NELSON: OK, and also pray for lower prices. Thanks for being with us. Mantill Williams from AAA joins us from Washington. Thanks.