CBS19 News at 5: AAA offers ways to save as high gas prices persist into fall

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (#CBS19NEWS) -- Gas prices typically start going down in the fall, but this year, that is not the case. Morgan Dean with AAA Mid-Atlantic said gas prices are among the highest they have seen during the fall season. “We are also seeing some of the highest prices that we've ever seen in the fall time period right now, both looking at the national average and state average, seeing some very high prices for this time of year,” Dean said. Dean said on average, gas prices are more than a dollar higher than they were last year, going from $2.98 to $4.17. “Lingering volatility with the Strait of Hormuz and everything going on in the Middle East has contributed to the high cost of crude oil, which has been driving up pump prices,” Dean said. Diesel prices are nearly $3 more than last year. Even if you don't use diesel, most of the things you buy are delivered on diesel vehicles. “At some point, they're going to have to pass that cost on to the final customer, which is you and I when we go to the store, be it a grocery store, a big box store, or a hardware store. So that's the impact that a lot of the public's likely to see from much higher diesel prices out there,” Dean said. Dean said there are small changes drivers can make to cut back on gas usage. “If you're somebody who takes off very, very quickly from a stoplight only to end up having to brake another half mile down the road, that's burning a lot of unneeded gas. So gentle acceleration, getting up to speed and using that cruise control,” Dean said. Dean said drivers should pack luggage inside their cars instead of on top, plan out gas stops and keep their cars maintained. “Getting that oil change, getting that the fluids checked and changed out. Also looking at your tires. Do you have good tread on your tires? What's the air pressure look like on your tires?” Dean said. Dean added that the AAA app allows drivers to look at gas stations and compare prices. He said drivers should keep that advice in mind because he doesn't expect prices to fall anytime soon.