When will rising gas prices hit breaking point?

The news is everywhere: Gas prices in America have hit $4.00 a gallon (and higher in some places), and continue to rise. I was with a friend this weekend who stopped at Sheetz in Staunton to fill his minivan that was almost on empty. The cost to fill up this vehicle that transports a family of four? $88.00. That's eighty-eight dollars!

At what point will Americans begin to sharply curtail their driving because of the huge hit on their wallets to fill gas tanks with fuel that costs over $4 a gallon? Even something as routine as mowing grass will add up for those with large lawns. Other activities may be curtailed such as Sunday afternoon drives, off-road ATV and trail bike rides, and pulling horse trailers to remote areas for horseback riding. Pulling campers may be prohibitive as well as boating whether it be fishing or water skiing or just lazing on the lake.

It will be interesting to see how high gasoline prices go and what it's impact will be on this summer's vacation season when many normally travel. Meanwhile, my friend is faced with forking out close to $100 every time he fills his gas tank. Ouch.