With gas prices flirting with the $4 a gallon mark, experts say it’s more important than ever to think before you drive.

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“Planning ahead is the biggest hurdle,” said Pam Peck, a spokesperson for the Drive Less, Save More campaign. Peck said grouping trips can cut down on miles driven and put money back in your pocket. “I think people are surprised how much they can save.”

Here’s another tip: try not to turn left. If that sounds odd, consider the source. UPS, an authority on driving efficiency and a Drive Less Save More partner, shared research that shows drivers waiting long stretches to turn left, engines idling.

Lots of drivers are already re-thinking their driving habits. Merrilee Alexander of Northeast Portland said she changed her plans to have her hair done, since her stylist is in Gresham.

“The gas going out to Gresham when I live in Northeast Portland, so that did come into effect,” said Alexander.

Experts say carpooling is another great way to stretch your dollar.

The Drive Less,Save More campaign has a carpool match website that links drivers with workable carpool situations in their area. The campaign’s cost calculator shows a driver who joins a carpool from Salem to Portland will save $10,000 a year.

Link: DrivelessSavemore

“We’ve reached critical mass,” said Mary Ann Aschenbrenner of Carpool Match Northwest. “For most commutes, I can get people matches.”

Aschenbrenner said some would be carpoolers are hesitant to sign up online, but she said there’s no cause for concern.

“The matches cannot see your home address, they cannot see your work address, they cannot see when you start work or when you finish work,” she said.

Aschenbrenner said they’ve had 500 people sign up for carpools in the last month, an indication that more and more Oregonians are looking for ways to cut down on their driving costs and help the environment.

Also: Find cheapest gas near you

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