May 09, 2011
By: Jana Bell
Fed up with high gas prices, some Americans appear eager to see the federal government drop its tax on gasoline, though others aren't so sure.
According to a survey by Rasmussen, 44 percent of voters say they're in favor of eliminating the federal gas tax, while 35 percent disagree. That tax amounts to 18.4 cents per gallon for regular gas, said the report.
Though they may not agree on how the government should use its power over the tax, most seem to agree the government does in fact play a major role in determining gas prices. Sixty-seven percent said they believed federal officials have the authority to lower gas prices as a way to present short-term relief.
High prices affected consumer sentiment back in 2008, as well, when 60 percent told Rasmussen the government should suspend the tax until prices deflated naturally.
Though the high cost of gas may be affecting consumers' wallets, it might also be cutting down on the number of claims they make on auto insurance. A study at Mississippi State University showed the rate of car crashes tends to decrease when gas prices rise.
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