Americans are seeing red in their eyes and less dollars in their wallets. Many have already begun planning what changes they'll need to make. With no end in sight, I posed a simple question to several people: "What will you do when gas prices reach or exceed $5 per gallon?" Answered ranged from slightly worried to panic and anger. Here's what some commuters in Georgia had to say.
"My thoughts are that I will have to be more proactive in planning errands and reducing unnecessary trips. Gas will definitely be an item listed on my monthly budget." Stacy Hopkins, implementation manager, Dunwoody
"It's absolutely crazy that a man will have to use his credit card to fill up his car. This is typical American business where the rich get richer and the poor have to get by. I don't see nobody trying to lower my taxes and help out the little man." Robert Hopkins, maintenance supervisor, Lithonia
"Unfortunately, because of work I can't really change most of my driving, but I can tell you that any social trips will be out. I'm already focused on how much I spend and I'll just have to deal with it when it comes." Catherine Hopkins, office manager, Lawrenceville
"It's not only going to affect my driving habits, but my shopping habits as well. My whole household expenses will change. As gas goes up, my grocery bill goes up and utilities also. Everything's going to change." Lt. Donnie Edwards, Fireman, Atlanta
"I'm going to go broke. You can tell my congressman that. I'm expectant mother and I honestly don't know how I'm going to survive this. $5 per gallon is crazy. You can't tell me that someone ain't making a whole bunch of money off all this." Michele Morales, A/R specialist, Atlanta
"How can it not change your life? $5 a gallon is absolutely crazy. I already have a hybrid, but that doesn't make things much better. I blame the government for allowing this to happen. Who can afford this?" Melinda Riley, CEO, Washington D.C.
"If I'm going shopping I'm gonna have to combine my trips. I'm supposed to put premium in my car, but now I'm gonna have to put regular and use an octane booster or something. I think this is absolutely ridiculous that I am forced to deal with the stuff the government subjects us to." Shondra Brown, student, Sandy Springs
"I'm gonna have to file bankruptcy. I can't afford to fill my truck up now and being unemployed I'm gonna have to make decisions like put food on the table or gas in the truck. I can't believe that things have got this bad." Brent Hawkins, unemployed, Dalton