Are high gas prices driving you crazy? In Spring Lake, Michigan the record number of illegal drive offs drove one gas station attendant to take matters into her own hands.
The 21-year-old Michigan woman told police that she thought she’d be able to stop a fuel thief by jumping into his car, but her plan didn’t exactly work out the way she planned.
The feisty gas station clerk says she had seen the same motorist leave the Spring Lake gas station twice last week without paying. The third time he attempted to gas and go she reportedly wrote down his license plate number, but then the man grabbed the paper from her and fled with more than $30 worth of gas.
The 4-foot-9 cashier, who says thefts cut into her monthly bonus, decided to fight back by hopping inside the car as the man drove off. However, instead of stopping, the man continued to drive through town with the female attendant riding shotgun. Eventually, the clerk says she jumped out of the car when she saw that the guy didn’t plan to stop.
Police later caught up with the 22-year-old alleged gas thief and the female attendant has since gotten lectures from members of law enforcement, her manager and her mother.
Stealing gas may be tempting to some, but there are legal ways you can save money at the pump:
PLAN AHEAD
· You can save money on fuel by avoiding gas stations on highways, near highway exits, and near airports.
· Avoid gas stations in upscale neighborhoods where gas is typically more expensive.
· Try to fuel up at independent gas stations.
· Buy gas midweek–it’s cheaper.
· Ask your hotel, inn, or B&B if they’re offering gas rebates or discount gift cards.
BE MORE FUEL EFFICIENT
· Take out any unneeded items from your car or if you are leaving on a road trip pack light—-the heavier your vehicle the more fuel it will use.
· Keep your vehicle’s engine tuned and change the oil and air filters regularly.
· Keep tires at the recommended level—-improperly inflated tires increase gas use.
· Avoid using a roof rack. Roof racks can decrease fuel economy by 5%; use the trunk instead.
· Use cruise control-—driving at stable speeds can save on gas.
· Avoid idling your car.
· Keep windows and sunroofs closed; they can create drag.
· Keep the engine tuned and change the oil and air filters regularly.
OTHER TIPS
· Consider buying or leasing a hybrid vehicle
· Carpool
· Take public transportation
· Walk or ride your bike to work
· Run all your errands in one trip
· Park in the first spot you see instead of driving around and around in parking lots looking for a spot closest to the store’s entry.
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