More than 40 percent of Dutch people have started driving less due to high gasoline costs

Research conducted among 1,004 Dutch motorists by Autoverzekeringen.nl shows that high fuel prices and inflation have a considerable effect on how much and how fast we drive. 43 percent of respondents say they ‘agree’ or completely agree with the statement ‘High petrol costs and inflation have made me drive less’. The remaining 57 percent say – you guessed it – they have not driven less.

Driving less does not necessarily mean that the car is completely spared for commuting, for example. Nearly ten percent indicate that they carpool more often than before. Almost half (48 percent) of respondents say they use their bicycle more often than before. To reduce costs somewhat, almost thirty percent (29.2 percent) of respondents indicate that they have driven more slowly. Not surprisingly, the majority of respondents take into account where they refuel. 77 percent of motorists indicate that they actively look for the gas station where fuel prices are the lowest. Striking: this means that the remaining 23 percent do not pay attention to this at all.

More interesting figures? Certainly. For example, almost 13 percent say they have traded in their car for a more economical one. Inflation and the resulting increased maintenance costs have even prompted 13.3 percent of motorists to postpone maintenance and repairs. Whether that is wise is another matter. The current financial climate has even convinced 1 in 20 motorists (5.6 percent) to sell their car.

Have you started driving less or more due to the increased costs? How have you dealt with car use differently? Maybe not at all, that is of course also possible. Let us know in the comments.