Nearly half of AAA Hawaii members have significantly reduced the number of miles they drive, and two-thirds are combining errands to cut back on mileage, according to a survey released today by AAA Hawaii.

The e-mail survey, which polled 372 members from April 24 through 30, found that those with annual incomes of less than $50,000 were the most likely to change their habits in response to higher gas prices, including driving less, using transit or carpools, and cutting back on eating out and entertainment.

"There is no doubt that gas prices are having a big impact on many local drivers," said Richard Velazquez, AAA Hawaii regional manager. "Drivers are changing how they drive and how often because of the relentless upward swing in gas prices."

The average price of regular gasoline in Honolulu today is $3.979, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

The most common action among AAA Hawaii members in the last two months as a result of higher gas prices was to combine errands, with 63 percent citing the change, the survey said.

Other changes include:

— Reducing overall driving (46%)

— Regularly checking tires for proper inflation (31%)

— Reducing average driving speed to increase fuel efficiency (29%)

— Cutting back on eating out or entertainment (26%)

— More frequently using the household vehicle with the best fuel economy (21%)

— Using another means of transportation such as transit, biking or walking (16%)

— Cancelling a planned vacation (10%)

— Carpooling or vanpooling (8%)

— Telecommuting (6%)

— Buying a car that gets better gas mileage (5%)

About 17 percent of members polled said they had not made any changes in response to higher gasoline costs.