The Hidden Costs of Mobility: How Fuel Prices and Transit Gaps Shape American Risk

Fuel Prices Surge Nationwide

As of April 15, 2026, the average price of regular gasoline reached $4.11 per gallon, marking a steep year-over-year increase. This rise follows a period of volatility that began with the record highs of 2022, when prices briefly approached $5 per gallon. While current prices remain below that peak, the upward trajectory signals renewed financial pressure for drivers.

Regional Fuel Disparities

The study highlights significant differences in fuel costs across states. California once again posted the highest average price, followed by Hawaii and Washington. Even states with lower averages experienced substantial increases, reflecting nationwide inflationary pressures.

Top 10 Highest Average Gas Prices (2025–2026)

Percentage Increases Reveal Deeper Trends

Some states saw dramatic year-over-year increases. Kentucky led the nation with a 42.5 percent rise, followed closely by Tennessee and New Hampshire. Even the states with the smallest increases still saw nearly 20 percent growth.

States With the Largest Increases

• Kentucky: 42.5%
• Tennessee: 42.2%
• New Hampshire: 38.8%
• Mississippi: 38.2%
• Arizona: 38.1%

States With the Smallest Increases

• Nebraska: 18.4%
• North Dakota: 18.6%
• South Dakota: 19.5%
• Minnesota: 19.5%

Metro-level data shows similar volatility, with some cities in Kentucky and Tennessee experiencing spikes exceeding 50 percent. These increases affect not only commuters but also businesses dependent on transportation.

Diesel Prices Add Pressure

Diesel costs rose sharply as well, with California reaching $7.52 per gallon. Arizona recorded the highest single-year percentage increase at 68.8 percent, highlighting the strain on freight and agricultural sectors. These increases contribute to higher consumer prices across the economy.

Public Sentiment on Fuel Costs

A March 2026 YouGov survey found that 82 percent of Americans felt gas prices affected them personally. Only a small minority reported no impact. These findings illustrate how deeply fuel costs influence daily life, particularly for those without access to public transit.

Transport Poverty: A Structural Challenge

Nearly 45 percent of Americans lack access to public transportation, according to the study. This leaves millions dependent on private vehicles, even as costs rise. For low-income households, the burden is especially heavy, with 16 percent lacking reliable transportation.

The consequences extend far beyond inconvenience. Limited mobility can restrict access to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services. Rural areas, where 30 percent of communities have no public transit, face the most acute challenges.

Rural Road Safety Concerns

Rural regions also experience disproportionately high fatality rates. More than 40 percent of U.S. traffic deaths occur in rural areas, despite lower population density. Long distances, high speeds, and limited emergency response resources contribute to these elevated risks.

Hitchhiking: A Risky Last Resort

As transportation costs rise, some Americans may consider hitchhiking as a last resort. Survey data from May 2025 shows that while a minority of adults have hitchhiked or picked up hitchhikers, most view the practice as unsafe. Sixty-five percent of respondents said hitchhiking is more dangerous today than in the past.

Historical data supports these concerns. Research from the 1970s found that female hitchhikers were seven times more likely than males to be victims of crime, with most incidents involving sexual violence. Drivers are not immune to risk either, as some have been targeted by passengers.

Legal Restrictions

Hitchhiking laws vary widely across states. While most states allow it with restrictions, others—including Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming—prohibit it outright. Federal regulations also limit hitchhiking in national parks and on certain federal lands.

Pedestrian Risks on the Rise

Beyond interpersonal risks, hitchhikers face significant danger simply by standing or walking near roadways. Pedestrian deaths have risen 80 percent since 2009, far outpacing population growth. In 2022 alone, more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed nationwide.

Nearly two-thirds of these deaths occurred in areas without sidewalks, highlighting infrastructure gaps that disproportionately affect rural and low-income communities.

States With Highest Pedestrian Fatality Rates

The study identifies Mississippi as having a rate more than three and a half times the national average. States across the South and rural West also show elevated risks, driven by factors such as road design, lighting, and vehicle speeds.

Safer Alternatives

The report emphasizes that hitchhiking should not be viewed as a solution to transportation inequality. Instead, it points to organized carpooling, ridesharing, regional bus systems, and employer commuter programs as safer options. Expanding affordable transit access, particularly in rural areas, would reduce the need for individuals to take risks on highways.

Conclusion

The study by Suzuki Law Offices paints a clear picture: rising fuel costs and limited transportation options are creating conditions that may push vulnerable Americans toward unsafe travel methods. Without meaningful investment in public transit and rural mobility, the pressures driving transport poverty will continue to grow. The data suggests that addressing these gaps is essential to improving safety and equity across the country.