Here go the gas prices again

Remember the oil embargo of the 1970s? How about the price gouging following 9/11? Actually, we paid our highest price for gasoline in June 2000, after a refinery blast in Illinois reduced the supply for the Midwest.

But Nebraska's gas price record of $1.85 may not be around for long.

We're now paying an average of $1.69 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline in the Cornhusker state, but it's only March.

Will we be below two bucks on Memorial Day?

Don't bet on it.

OPEC plans to reduce production and refineries are straining to keep up with the demand.

But drivers seem to be resigned to pumping more dollars into their tank this time around. "What can you do," asked one mom, whose large family makes a mini-van, if not a large SUV, mandatory.

But there are a few things we can do to save a few bucks at the pump.

For one thing, do we really need that gas guzzler? If the answer is "yes," we're going to have to just grin and bear it.

If "no," maybe it's time to go back to a smaller car next trade. In the meantime, Nebraska AAA has some ideas that can help:

* Slow down; you'll save gas.

* Check your tires. Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage, not to mention the fact that they will last longer.

* Maintain your engine properly. Rough-running motors can burn twice as much fuel as they should.

* Don't buy higher-grade gasoline than you need. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

* Take it easy on both the gas and brake pedals. Hard acceleration and sudden stops waste fuel and money.

And, we might add, do you really need to drive at all? If time and weather allow, why not walk? You'll be better off, both physically and financially.