I just plan my trips more accordingly. My car is not a gas guzzler (it's average), but I *know* I drive a lot less than my friends. True, we mostly take DH's car on the weekends, but I often think of my friends who go driving all over, to say, Costco, to buy grocery type items at a cheaper price. Costco is about 12 miles away. Why don't they just save the gas $ and shop locally?
Truthfully, I think people in the US are spoiled when it comes to gas prices. The prices in Europe have always been high, hence the use of alternative transportation and lifestyles that support it. Or, people pay when they need to drive.
I am having a hard time justifying looking for jobs that will require a long commute. There are jobs out there, but, it's a sticking point for me. I want to use my education, but....