The ever-increasing cost of gasoline has consumers on edge. As of March 2011, gas prices reached a 2 1/2 year high, leaping over 30 cents across the United States in two weeks. According to TIME magazine, the average price per gallon of regular unleaded was $3.51 as of March 7, 2011. The only other time prices spiked that high that quickly was between August and September 2005, following Hurricane Katrina.

Analysts have warned that prices could continue their rise due to continued violence in the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal reports that federal energy officials have indicated there is a "25 percent chance that gas prices will average $4 a gallon or more" has the busy summer driving months approach.

With a few simple changes in your driving habits, you can learn how to get the most out of your gas mileage, however, regardless of price.

Watch your speed. Driving over 60 mph can significantly decrease your gas mileage. You could end up paying an extra $0.20 a gallon for every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph. Consider using cruise control as well to maintain a steady speed.

Travel in the slow lane. This way you will not have to change your speed much or take your car off cruise control.

Consider how you commute. If you can, stagger your work hours to avoid rush hours with stop-and-start traffic. If your employer permits it, think about working from home; if not, public transportation, cycling or walking, carpooling and ride-share programs can help cut your weekly fuel costs in half, saving wear on your car at the same time.

Keep your load light. Removing unnecessary items from your car will lighten the overall weight of the vehicle, causing it to use less gas to get from one place to another. A hundred extra pounds can reduce mileage up to two percent. Doing away with luggage racks and other exterior accessories will also heighten your car's aerodynamics, increasing fuel efficiency.

Avoid idling. Try not to wait in drive-thru lines or idling as you wait at the curb for an airport pickup. Idling wastes more gas than driving does, getting 0 miles per gallon as it runs.

Combine errands. The less you drive, the better your gas mileage.

Park in the first spot you find. Don't waste gas looking for the best spot. Even if the first spot is furthest from your destination, you could get some exercise walking back and forth.

Use your A/C sparingly. While the A/C compressor puts added strain on the engine, decreasing fuel efficiency, open windows cause drag which reduces gas mileage as well. Drive with the windows up without the A/C whenever possible.

Drive defensively. Aggressive driving decreases fuel efficiency for much the same reasons as driving at high speeds does. The constant stopping and starting when weaving around others wreaks havoc on mileage.

Maintain your car well. Properly inflated tires, a clean air filter, regular oil changes and filling up with the recommended octane level at the pump all work towards improving your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Remember, one mechanical problem could reduce your gas mileage up to 40 percent.

Consider fuel efficient vehicles. There are now hybrid cars, as well as alternative fuel vehicles that run on methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum and electricity. Not only will you get more miles to the gallon with these varieties of cars, but you will also reduce pollutants from exhaust emissions. You can find out more from the Department of Energy by calling 1-800-423-1DOE or visiting their website.