WASHINGTON (Map, News) - For the first time ever, the national average for a gallon of regular gas has hit $3.50. It happened last week. But what may be more disheartening, in many places around the D.C. region right now, $3.50 is considered a bargain.  Is this really happening? Does anyone else think this is getting out of hand?

It raises an interesting question though: what is our limit? At what point will many of us throw up our hands, admit defeat to the gas pump, leave the car keys on the table and change our habits?

Not too long ago, $3.00 was considered that psychological tipping point. Now we are at $3.50 and it doesn’t seem as though much has changed. And in the very near future, $4.00 a gallon will be the norm.  But if we didn't stop driving at $3.00 and $3.50, what's to stop us at $4.00, $4.50 or even $5.00. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help improve the fuel efficiency of your car.

Many of you probably already know: change your air filter, fill up your tires and clean out the excess weight from your car — i.e. those golf clubs you've been lugging around but haven't actually broke out yet.  But here are some you may not have considered, the Consumer Federation of America reminds drivers about them:

- Drive Smoother — the smoother you accelerate and decelerate, the better your gas mileage. In fact, if you don't drill the gas and slam on the breaks you could save as much a 33% of your gas on the highway and 5% around town. That could add up to a savings of 62 cents a gallon with gas at $3.50.

- Foot off the break — When you are driving, keep your foot from riding the break. Not only will that wear down your breaks, but it will also decrease your fuel mileage. Steering clear of the break when you don’t need it can save you 35% from gas consumption. It can also mean a savings of a whopping $1.19 per gallon.

-  VIRGINIA travel advisory

VDOT will be closing down lanes along Route 7 east in Tyson’s Corner on approach to Route 123 south every night this week for utility relocation work. It is being done in preparation for the future construction of the Dulles Rail project. The two right lanes of Route 7 east as you approach route 123 will be closed from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Monday night through Saturday morning. Those lanes will reopen however in time for drivers to make the turn onto route 123 south and for drivers to continue on route 7.