Mali Hightower's answer to high gas prices is a toy he fished out of someone's trash.
The 30-year-old handyman from Georgia stuck a two-gallon engine into a broken Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper. One pull and he's off to the supermarket, knees at his ears, helmet on his head.
His real car, a 1996 Mercedes-Benz, costs about $90 to fill. "That's too much," said Hightower. "I drive this when I can."
The soaring cost of gasoline is reshaping everyday decisions across the country. Americans are seeking alternatives like public transit or staying close to home.
As of May 18, average gas price is $4.52 per gallon (AAA). In an Ipsos poll, 44% said they had cut back on driving.
Some find opportunities. Renee Tocci, camp director, pitches sleep-away camp as a cost-saving measure for parents.
Dafne Flores drives to LA but parks and uses public transit. "We're used to expensive gas, but never this expensive," she said.
In Maine, bus ridership is up 21% since January.
At a California station, drivers waited over an hour for free gas. Robert Jackson said, "I have to walk and take the train now."
A Chicago church is giving away $5,000 in gas cards. "Transportation is survival," said Pastor Demetrius Davis.
The crunch hasn't boosted EV sales but vindicated Tesla owners. John Stringer joked he doesn't look at gas prices anymore.
