ATLANTA -

According to AutoTrader.com, consumers might soon be shifting their buying tastes even more as gas prices continue to gain momentum.

Almost two-thirds, or 62 percent, of auto shoppers surveyed in March and April on AutoTrader.com indicated they would consider a more fuel efficient vehicle for their next car if gas prices continue to rise.

Industry reports note that the average retail price for all grades of gasoline in the United States rose past $3.80 per gallon this month, with some markets seeing prices above $4 per gallon.

AutoTrader.com conducted the survey of visitors to the site between March 14 and April 4. A similar survey conducted during January and February found that 53-percent percent of car shoppers were considering more fuel efficient vehicles. This increase in just a few weeks and other data from the March-April survey indicate more Americans may be ready to change car buying and other driving and lifestyle habits as a result of rising gas prices, officials highlighted.

In the most recent March-April survey, 49 percent of respondents indicated that they would be cutting back on eating out and 46 percent of respondents indicated that they would be cutting back on summer vacation plans as a result of higher fuel prices (these questions were not posed in the January-February survey).

However, according to the findings, the traditional U.S. solo commute to work doesn’t seem to be at risk yet, with only 9 percent of respondents indicating that they would consider looking for car pool opportunities and only 3 percent of respondents indicating they would take public transportation more often. 

A majority of survey respondents, or 67 percent, said they would combine trips to complete as many errands as possible in fewer trips in an effort to use less gasoline.