With gas prices continuing to rise many drivers (this author included) are navigating a world where budgets are squeezed and high fuel costs bring hard choices to the table.

This new reality makes a baffling statement from Chervon exec Andy Walz seemingly tone deaf but is he actually right?

The irony is not lost on us

The execs statement came during an interview Walz did with CBS News. Walz said that Americans should “try to drive less” and to conserve energy as much as they can. Keep in mind, Walz is Chevron’s president of downstream, midstream, and chemicals.

When you combine that with how much of a salary he gets and Chevron’s profits, the notion of a high ranking energy executive saying that American’s should drive less my seem a bit tone deaf to some. However, Walz’s comments also got us curious about how many Americans already drive less and whether that’s through choice or not?

Many Americans still drive everyday

According to a study published by the U.S. Census Bureau, 77% of Americans make the daily trek to work in their personal vehicles while only 3% continue to use public transportation for the same task.This is budled with the average commute being under 30 minutes which translates to 9,800 miles a year in work related driving. The remaining amount of the 13,500 miles the average American drives during the same period of time is used for other business: including shopping, taking children to school, and other miscellaneous items.

As a result, there’s not much that can be truly considered optional to remove from that total. Instead, this advice could perhaps be used by enthusiasts and those who drive on track days or other recreational activities.

So what can drivers do to use less gas?

While Walz’s “suggestions” will most likely appeal to only a small minority of drivers, there are some things drivers can do to help stretch their fuel budget further. This includes planning their recreational trips in advance to make sure they stick with the main route only (barring construction), and perhaps bring an extra gas can or two along to help reduce fuel stops.

Another thing drivers can do is to look over their budget and if needed remove excess things from it to help dedicate more money towards fuel and vehicle related costs. Case in point, coffee and other caffeinated beverages which are consumed by a large number of drivers in the morning. The average price of a standard Cafe Latte at Starbucks is $10.71. Multiply that by 4 weeks for each month and that cup of coffee transforms into a monthly (before taxes) expense of $42.84 a month. Much of that expense count instead be diverted towards gas.