Reply #3: Wrong

[taterguy]

Most of the non-essential use of gas is also the cheapest: the short trips that could be done by walking or biking.

Five dollar a gallon gas won't change people's habits. If they're only gonna save a buck by not making the effort to walk or bike then most people will continue to choose to drive.

I also disagree with your definition of essential. I will always have a need to go to some places that you can only get to by driving. It doesn't put food on my table but it keeps me sane, recharges my batteries and helps me think, which helps me immensely in the work that I do for a living.