Fuel Prices Hit New Highs
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.
State-Level 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)
| Rank | State | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $5.89 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $5.46 |
| 3 | Washington | $5.36 |
| 4 | Oregon | $4.96 |
| 5 | Nevada | $4.94 |
| 6 | Arizona | $4.70 |
| 7 | Alaska | $4.59 |
| 8 | Idaho | $4.27 |
| 9 | Illinois | $4.25 |
| 10 | Florida | $4.22 |
These figures underscore the uneven burden placed on consumers depending on where they live. States with higher transportation and refining costs tend to see the steepest prices.
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
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Kentucky: 42.5%
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Tennessee: 42.2%
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New Hampshire: 38.8%
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Mississippi: 38.2%
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Arizona: 38.1%
States With the Smallest Increases
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Nebraska: 18.4%
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North Dakota: 18.6%
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South Dakota: 19.5%
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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 pedestrian fatality 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 conditions, and higher vehicle speeds. These patterns highlight how infrastructure disparities can compound the dangers faced by people traveling on foot.
Other states with high fatality rates include New Mexico, South Carolina, and Arizona, each reflecting a mix of long arterial roadways and limited pedestrian protections. Many of these states also have large rural populations, where emergency response times tend to be longer. The combination of speed, distance, and limited infrastructure creates an environment where pedestrian injuries are more likely to be fatal.
Why Roadway Design Matters
The study emphasizes that roadway design plays a critical role in pedestrian safety. Wide, high‑speed corridors without sidewalks or crosswalks create conditions where even cautious pedestrians face elevated risk. These environments are especially common in rural regions and suburban areas built around car‑centric planning.
Lighting is another major factor. More than 75 percent of pedestrian deaths occur at night, often in areas with poor visibility. Improving lighting, adding protected crossings, and reducing speed limits in high‑risk zones are among the interventions that researchers say could significantly reduce fatalities.
The Intersection of Cost and Risk
The report draws a clear connection between rising transportation costs and increased exposure to dangerous travel conditions. When fuel prices rise faster than wages, individuals with limited resources may be forced to walk along unsafe roadways, accept rides from strangers, or attempt to hitchhike. These decisions are often made out of necessity rather than preference.
Transport poverty compounds these risks. In communities without public transit, residents may have no choice but to walk long distances along highways or rural roads. The study notes that these environments are among the most dangerous for pedestrians, particularly where shoulders are narrow or nonexistent.
Safer Alternatives to Hitchhiking
While hitchhiking may seem like a quick solution for those without reliable transportation, the study stresses that safer alternatives exist. Organized carpooling networks, community ride programs, and employer‑sponsored transportation services can help bridge mobility gaps. These options reduce the risks associated with accepting rides from strangers while still providing access to essential destinations.
Rideshare services also offer a safer alternative, though cost remains a barrier for many low‑income households. The report suggests that subsidized rideshare partnerships or regional microtransit systems could help fill this gap. Such programs have already shown promise in rural counties where traditional bus routes are not feasible.
The Role of Public Transit Investment
The study argues that long‑term solutions require meaningful investment in public transportation. Expanding bus routes, improving frequency, and adding rural connectors would reduce reliance on personal vehicles and decrease the likelihood that individuals resort to unsafe travel methods. These improvements would also support economic mobility by connecting residents to jobs, healthcare, and education.
Infrastructure upgrades are equally important. Adding sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings can dramatically reduce fatality rates. The report notes that communities that have invested in “complete streets” initiatives have seen measurable improvements in safety for all road users.
A National Challenge With Local Consequences
The findings illustrate that transportation inequality is not confined to any single region. Urban, suburban, and rural communities all face distinct challenges shaped by geography, infrastructure, and economic conditions. Rising fuel prices amplify these disparities, placing the greatest burden on those with the fewest resources.
Local governments play a crucial role in addressing these issues. Zoning decisions, roadway design standards, and transit funding allocations all influence how safely residents can move through their communities. The study suggests that targeted, data‑driven interventions can help reduce risks and improve mobility for vulnerable populations.
Looking Ahead
The report concludes that without significant changes to transportation policy and infrastructure investment, the pressures driving transport poverty will continue to intensify. Rising fuel prices, limited transit access, and unsafe roadways create a cycle that disproportionately affects low‑income and rural residents. Breaking that cycle will require coordinated efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.
Suzuki Law Offices, which conducted the study, emphasizes that the data reflects a broader national challenge rather than isolated incidents. The trends identified in the report point to systemic issues that demand long‑term solutions. As fuel costs fluctuate and communities grow, the need for safe, affordable, and accessible transportation becomes increasingly urgent.
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, transportation, safety, or financial advice. Data and analysis referenced in the article were provided by Suzuki Law Offices and should be considered in the context of the publication date.
