Poll: Economy now worries well-to-do

WASHINGTON, May 14 (UPI) -- Worries about the U.S. economy are beginning to rise through the ranks of higher income levels, a recent poll suggested.

In the Washington Post-ABC News poll conducted May 8-11, a majority of respondents -- 80 percent -- indicated the economy had "veered pretty seriously off-track," the Post reported Wednesday.

Of the 1,122 adults surveyed, 68 percent were concerned the economy would erode their current lifestyles, an increase of 17 percent from a December poll, the report said.

Of those earning $100,000 or more per year, nearly 60 percent were worried their lifestyles would have to change.

Two-thirds indicated gasoline prices were a hardship and 20 percent indicated it was the most important economic issue.

But, U.S. consumers have yet to park their cars. More than half the respondents indicated gas prices would have to reach $5.65 per gallon before they would change their driving habits.

The poll carried a margin of error of 3 percentage [points, the Post reported.