Teens cruising hit by gas prices

NEW YORK, June 29 (UPI) -- High gas prices are curtailing the summer driving activities of teenagers across the United States, police say.

A pattern of diminished teenage driving is emerging coast-to-coast, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Police say fewer youths are spending time "cruising" or driving in circles, with many more of them hanging out in parking lots, malls or movie theaters, The Times said.

"I think it's a pretty good observation that there is much less cruising in town this summer, and it has a lot to do with the gas prices," said Sgt. Tom Blake of Modesto, Calif., the town immortalized in the movie "American Graffiti." "The kids are parking their cars near McHenry Avenue and congregating at the Sonic drive-in, the McDonald's and the Starbucks."

One former East Dundee, Ill., cruiser said he can no longer afford the gas to aimlessly drive around.

"I used to drive around and hang out here with my friends five nights a week last summer, but I just can't afford to buy gas anymore," said Elliot Lee, 19, an engineering student from East Dundee, Ill.