With oil still topping $100 a barrel, the dollar weak against the euro, rising food and energy costs, and the simple freedom of driving becoming more of a wealthy person’s perk, it’s important to economize one’s personal and business travel as much as possible.

The exchange between President Bush and Peter Maer of CBS Radio over analyst projections of rising gas prices makes me wonder - who are you more like in being aware of your personal economics? Are you more like Maer, who pays attention to the news and informed opinions? Are you like the President, likely uncertain of how much gas costs per gallon these days anyway?

$4.29 per gallon in San Mateo, Mr. President. That’s dollars, not pesos.

While it looks like relief at the pump may not happen for a while, especially with OPEC blaming a mismanaged US economy for our troubles, it’s up to people to do little things to reduce their addiction to the gas pump.

For starters, anyone with a job that entails their work at a computer should try to work some telecommuting into their schedules. Even one day off the road adds up over the course of a year.

Single stops for the grocery and other errands, and combining multiple trips into one, will help cut down on gas usage.

If there is an option to carpool to work for people whose jobs have similar schedules, there’s nothing like sharing the burden to reduce costs.

Any other suggestions will be welcome in the comment section.