Fueling the struggle: How rising gas prices are affecting families in St. Clair Shores

   Over this past year, gas prices have significantly increased. Prices peaked in May, then started declining in June and surged in September, hitting up to an average of $4.93 per gallon. The increase has affected students and teachers at Lakeview. Many families have had to sacrifice other things to afford the travel they may need to do.

   Having an electric car during this time may be one of the smartest and most environmentally friendly things to do with these high gas prices. 

   English teacher Lena Resin explained, “I think that having an electric car during these times is super beneficial, but it does depend on what type of driving you do. Whether that's city or long-distance driving. Overall, I think that it is better. Even though the charging is part of electricity bills, it still is cheaper than paying for gas every few days I would need it. I usually don’t have to stop and charge it either since it lasts 4 to 5 days. I think it was a good investment we have made to adapt to these gas prices.”

   Many student drivers have to pay for gas and may find it difficult to be able to manage having a job, school, sports, and extracurricular activities. 

   Chase Tucker, ‘28 stated, “Since I am always busy doing something, whether it's sports or hanging out with my friends, sometimes I find it hard to make money to pay for my own gas, and since it is so expensive, at almost $5 a gallon. I can’t spend as much money on the game anymore, and I have to spend my money on gas so I can go places.”

   Many people's daily routines and long-term habits as they adapt to these prices. Instead of making many separate trips, many people may find themselves combining errands to ensure every mile driven serves multiple purposes.

  Hall monitor Ericka Noblett said,  “I have started traveling around a little less even though I usually only stay in my bubble. I mostly try to do my running errands all in one day just so I don’t have to go out every day for all separate errands. Sometimes it is hard to do that if something comes up and I need to go get it, but I live close and don’t have to go very far for those things.”