The American economy has taken many financial hits in recent years, but none have had such a drastic and severe effect on the average American as rising gas prices. A solution to the gas crisis, a formidable new crisis involving the high cost of gasoline-powered transportation, must have widespread results among American commuters to increase driver efficiency, dramatically lower gas prices, or provide ways of alternative transportation, thereby allowing American commuters to travel efficiently at a moderate cost. Gas prices are extremely high compared to overall gas price history and are expected to increase significantly. The average American drives 13,746 miles per year (“Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group”). As of this writing, the average price per gallon (across America) is $3,707 (“AAA's Daily Fuel Guage Report”). Average U.S. passenger car miles per gallon, or miles traveled per gallon, in 2008 was 22.6 miles per gallon ("Table 4-23: Average Fuel Efficiency of U.S. Passenger Cars and Light Trucks"). Using simple math, you can find that if gas prices and average miles per gallon remained static, the average American would spend $2,254.71 per year on gas. This is nearly 5% of the average American family income (“Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group”). These numbers are only valid if gas prices remain stable, however unfortunately there is a high probability that they will continue to increase in the future. Yes, the average MPG will also increase, however at a slower pace than the increase in the price of gas per gallon. With the current conflict in Libya and much of the Middle East, the upper limit to which gas prices can...... middle of paper ......le&node=&contentId=A16228-2002Jul16¬Found=true >“AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report,” Oil Price Information Service; AAA. Np, April 6, 2011, nd. “Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group,” Federal Highway Administration, NP, April 6, 2011, April 4, 2011. .“How Much Does the Average American Make? Breaking Down the US Household Income Numbers,” FedUpUSA, Stephanie, April 6, 2011, January 7, 2010. .“Table 4-23: Average Fuel Efficiency of US Passenger Cars and Light Trucks,” Research and Innovative Technology Administration, NP, April 6 2011, n.d. .