Are We Paying Too LITTLE for Gas?

Could it be? Are Americans enjoying the second-lowest gasoline prices in the world just after oil-exporting Mexico?  We are, says Randy Salzman, a transportation management researcher and author of the upcoming book, "Yes We Can: Getting Americans to Back Away From the Steering Wheel."

In Sunday's New York Times, Salzman contends that while oil costs the same around the world, other nations put higher fees on gas consumption.

However, South San Francisco drivers may think otherwise.

The lowest price for gas in town as of Tuesday was $4.22 a gallon, available at Camino Petroleum at 698 El Camino Real, according to Patch's Commute tool. This editor found regular gas priced at $4.23 at her stop at the Chevron on Hickey Boulevard and El Camino Real.

Salzman says that if we'd use our cars smarter, we'd avoid a host of gas-guzzling related problems, not the least of which is keeping our children's children from fighting wars in the Middle East.

And many of us make a conserted effort to do just that---we drive hybrids, we carpool, we bike/walk, we take public transportation, and some of us work from home. But despite our best conservation efforts, we are still a car culture and will pay whatever is asked at the pump.

Do you try to conserve? Tell us what steps you're taking.