Jeff Moeller, Local Columnist

History does repeat itself. When it comes to our car’s gas tanks, let’s hope things don’t get worse.

There’s plenty of indicators that prices are headed in a downward spiral. This is one of the few times when something headed in a negative direction is a good thing.

When you’re spending more money on a gallon of gas than a large cup of Dunkin’ or Wawa or maybe a pizza slice or a fast-food burger, something’s wrong. The recent price for a gallon of gas around Savannah is $3.83 Unfortunately, we have to deal with it. Yet, there was a time that always stays with me regarding gas prices.

It was January 1977, and I was a junior in high school in Pennsylvania. I had a few months driving under my belt with my permit and was ready to tackle the roads.

Did I care about the gas crisis where you could only fill up your car on either an odd or even day?

Nah, I really didn’t know what it was about. My father had to worry about the oddeven gas rationing based on the last digit of your car’s license plate. At the time, I was a carefree 17-year-0ld, just worried about the car having gas in it when I drove my mom’s Pontiac LeMans.

Many of you reading this were more involved than me during that time. You recall how things were waiting for “gas” day. Then you had to carefully plot and plan your routes until your next “gas” day rolled around.

Now, ironically, we’re on the verge of 50 years since that crisis. Chances are, we won’t be subjugated to those rations again, but we have a gas price issue.

But let’s face it, we have to plot and plan like we did many moons ago. Most of us don’t have an unbound gas allowance or are fortunate enough to bike to our destination.

Being a resident of South Carolina, I have always felt compassion for residents from my former home in Pennsylvania where gas prices have always been higher. Along with gas,

I always empathize with the cold and snow.

That was until I temporarily froze when I saw gas prices over the $4 threshold. Suddenly, I was in the same ballpark.

If you’re a senior citizen on a fixed income, you have to be a smart shopper with gas, too.

So, now, I have to shop vigorously for the best prices. I recently made a trip north for a family function and an old friends’ visit, and had plenty of practice checking for best prices on my 11to 12-hour trek.

You have to seriously do your homework, especially if you’re a senior citizen. Don’t give in to that glaring high-priced billboard staring at you. Like your groceries, shop around. The Gas Buddy app is one tool that can help you search.

Another efficient method is limiting your errand trips. Do your best to complete them in the shortest amount of trips. It’s no longer cost effective to do an errand, drive home, and then go out again later on another one.

Finally, maintain a consistent speed, and yes, the speed limit works. I find myself incessantly watching my speed and also my miles counter.

Am I or we getting neurotic about this? I’m trying not to be, but the thought of spending more money than I should be can drive you down that path.

Well, what can we do? We can’t beat it, and we just have to do our best along the course.

We likely won’t face another gas rationing crisis like we did almost 50 years ago, but think about that coffee or slice of pizza you could have bought for your gallon of gas.