Gas prices are predicted to rise during the summer, affecting almost all means of transportation nationwide and causing financial hardships for many Americans.

"At the moment, you can attribute most of the price increase to the fact that the dollar has dropped in value," Don Lindsey, Director of Public Affairs for the American Automobile Association of East Tennessee, said.

"Investors are looking at stock prices and seeing those (petroleum) aren't so good right now, so they are investing in commodities."

Lindsey said AAA predicts gas could cost anywhere from $3.60 to $3.80 a gallon in East Tennessee.

Natalie Durio, a UT sophomore, said that if gas prices rise, it well definitely affect her summer travel plans.

 "I won't be able to travel anywhere far away. It's just going to be too expensive.  My car takes $50 to fill up now, and if it becomes even more than that to fill, I will have to use other kinds of transportation," Durio said.

Even with the prediction of rising gas prices, some students find travel almost unavoidable, and therefore will have to take the hit at the pump.

"I do a lot of traveling to and from Nashville in the summer and even if gas prices rise, I will still make the trip," Barrett Cope, a UT senior, said.

Daniel Walden, a UT sophomore, also agrees that his summer travel plans will not change.

"I travel a lot during the summer, and I also have a boat that I frequently take out on the water.  The rise in gas prices won't affect how often I take my boat out, and it burns more gas than my car.  I'm not going to seriously change my plans in any way," Walden said.

There are a few different ways to save some money on gas this summer.

Lindsey gives some important tips to drivers for a more fuel efficient commute.

First of all, it is vital to keep tires aired up to the manufacturer's recommendation.

Tires are the most commonly neglected piece of equipment on a vehicle, and for every pound of air low tires have, drivers lose 2% of the gas they put in their vehicles.  

It is also necessary to drive gently because rushing up to red lights, weaving in and out of traffic and slamming on the car's brakes eats up gas.

Lindsey said it is also important to use the most fuel efficient vehicle if a household has more than one and combine trips when possible to ensure the best use of time and gas.

If work, lifestyle and the weather allow it, try bicycling to work which saves money, improves air quality, and is a good way to get exercise.

Lastly, look to see if public transit makes sense in the surrounding area. 

For more of an incentive to save on gas, AAA is helping sponsor an event called Smart Trips, designed to promote alternatives to driving alone such as carpooling, taking transit, biking, walking and telecommuting to work.

The event started May 1, and participation in the event makes participants eligible to win a share of the $10,000 in prizes being given away including a $1,500 travel package. 

To find out more and sign up, visit http://smarttrips.knoxtrans.org.