These findings come from the Bay State Poll, a quarterly survey of Massachusetts's residents, conducted by the Center for Public Opinion Research at Merrimack College. Five Hundred and Three (503) randomly selected state residents over the age of eighteen were interviewed by telephone October 16-23, 2005. The survey's margin of error is +/- 4.5%. Detailed results and methodological information are available at www.merrimack.edu/polling.

Have increases in the price of gas at the pump caused you to cut back
on driving?

   Yes                   57%
   No                    40%
   Don't Know             3%

Would you say that these increases in the price of gas at the pump
have caused financial hardship for you or your household?

   Yes                   40%
   No                    58%
   Don't Know             3%

In thinking about your next automobile purchase are you very likely,
somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely to seriously
consider buying a hybrid vehicle?

  Very Likely            20%
  Somewhat Likely        27%
  Somewhat Unlikely      17%
  Very Unlikely          23%
  Don't Know             12%