Gas Prices Set to Soar?

Hurricane Ike has stopped production of oil in much of the Houston and Gulf Coast area where nearly ¼ of America's oil is processed. Will this cause gas prices to soar? Only time will tell. Hurricane Ike pounded Galveston and the Gulf Coast and this storm may just be a warning of how vulnerable America is to natural disasters. Our high use of oil makes many people in our country vulnerable; as prices soar it is hard to fill the tank without grimacing at the cost.

It is a good bet though that we'll be seeing a lot more Hummers and SUVs with "For Sale" signs on them. The News-Press.com in Fort Myers, Florida reports that gas prices have reached $5.49 a gallon in some parts of Florida. Currently the average price of a gallon of gasoline in America is $3.75.

The other day while driving through my town I saw a tiny electric car parked in someone's driveway for the first time. The cars are small but would be great for local trips about town. I wonder if soon many driveways will hold these cute cars? I am also seeing more and more hybrid vehicles on the roads. Hybrids seem a very common topic of conversation at social events too. America seems tired of dependence on foreign oil. It seems time to seek new ways to fuel our transportation.

I also see a lot more people riding bikes around town. Most people have also started to "group" their errands and hold off until they have enough to do that it is worthwhile to make the drive. The era of going out for a "pleasure drive" is long over. Driving has become much more of a chore. If one has to drive one does, otherwise it is best to just hold off on the errand and save the gas.

So think about the future. Will the next generation ever drive a car fueled with gasoline or will they be part of a bygone time? What will be the standard mode of transportation ? It is interesting to think about what the brilliant minds of American inventors will come up with to solve the gas crisis.