Mali Hightower, 30, a repairman in Ellenwood, Georgia, found a way to save money using a children's electric car he salvaged from a junkyard. He removed the gasoline engine from a pressure washer and installed it onto the toy car, transforming it into a vehicle for short trips, such as going to the supermarket.

Due to the car's small size, Hightower has to crouch, with his knees almost touching his ears, and wear a helmet. However, it remains a reasonable transportation option compared to the 90 US dollars it costs to fill up his 1996 Mercedes-Benz convertible.

"Driving a car is too expensive now," Hightower stated. He added a cargo rack to the back of the toy car for groceries and plans to use this vehicle regularly.

Mali Hightower with his Barbie Dream Camper toy car in Ellenwood, Georgia, US, on 18/5. Photo: Arizona Daily.

Continuously rising gas prices are forcing many US families to change their habits. Most residents are switching to public transportation or limiting their outings. Citigroup analysts predict world oil prices could reach 150 US dollars a barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded. This scenario could push US gas prices to 6 US dollars a gallon this summer.

Data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows that by 18/5, the average price of regular gasoline reached 4.52 US dollars a gallon, 1.5 times higher than the 3 US dollars level before the conflict with Iran erupted. A survey conducted by Ipsos for the Washington Post and ABC News in late April found that 44% of Americans had reduced their driving.

Content creator Dafne Flores drives from Silverdale, Washington, to Los Angeles several times a year to visit friends. During her recent two-month trip, she parked her car and switched to public transportation. "We are used to high gas prices, but we have never seen them this high," said Flores, 28.

Her Toyota Highlander now costs at least 95 US dollars to refuel each time. As a result, she only drives within a 5-mile radius and avoids gas stations near highways, where prices can reach nearly 9 US dollars a gallon.

This trend is evident nationwide. In Maine, bus ridership has increased by 21% since January. "Most passengers use the bus to commute to work," said Ms. Laurie Linscott, public transit manager.

Some are finding opportunities amid economic hardship. After spending nearly 40 US dollars to fill her Buick Enclave, Renee Tocci, executive director of Farley Summer Camp in Mashpee, Massachusetts, conceived the idea of hosting an overnight summer camp so parents wouldn't spend money on gas for daily drop-offs and pickups. "Here's a money-saving tip nobody talks about: Send your kids to overnight camp," her announcement read.

Gas prices on 18/5 at a gas station in San Diego, California. Photo: Reuters.

In El Segundo, California, drivers waited for over one hour at a gas station when Visit Las Vegas, a tourism agency, promised to give away up to 100 US dollars in gas money to the first 100 people. Robert Jackson, one of those in line, stated that the gifted gas would only last a few days. He currently walks and uses the subway.

In Chicago, CityPoint Community Church plans to distribute gas cards totaling 5,000 US dollars in the coming weeks. Pastor Demetrius Davis stated the church had already handed out over 70 cards after Mother's Day services. He noted that for many families, transportation is essential for daily life.

Amidst this situation, electric vehicle owners report being unaffected. John Stringer, living in Silicon Valley, filmed a gas station price board and posted it on TikTok. Stringer joked that he wished he had to worry about fuel prices, then panned the camera to his Cybertruck electric pickup.

"I don't remember the last time I had to look at a gas price board, except when I filmed that video," he said.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Arizona Daily)