NEWTON, Mass. - With gas prices up nearly 50 cents a gallon since January 1, American motorists are becoming vigilant while searching for individual relief from the financial hardship, New England Cable News reports.

Whereas motorists changed their driving habits a few years ago when prices spiked, they are right now trying to find the simple ways to mitigate the pain of higher prices, said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of industry advocacy.

"They're trying to shop around more for price," Lenard said, adding that the NACS Retail Fuels Report showed a considerable segment of the population would drive five minutes out of their way to save five cents a gallon.

"There are apps out there, there are all kinds of deals that you see with various channels to take ten cents, 20 cents off a gallon," Lenard said, applications that have made consumers brand-agnostic when it comes to gasoline.

"We are finding that loyalty right now for most consumers lasts until the next fill up then they do the search all over again, find who has the best price, that is their new favorite retailer," he said.

However, more changes in behavior are likely if prices hold at elevated levels. "If these prices continue, if this pessimism continues, you'll see some of the bigger things. You'll see more carpooling, you'll see people buying more fuel efficient vehicles," Lenard said.

A number of outlets also have aired the story, which is also available online.