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High gas prices have caused state troopers to change the way they look for speeders. The pain at the pump is taking a huge chuck out of the Florida Highway Patrol budget. As Whitney Ray tells us, troopers are patrolling less and run more check points.

Hear it Here: State Troopers Diving Less, To Save Gas

Since gas prices hit four dollars a gallon truck driver Ron Spears has seen more state troopers watching Florida’s roads and fewer driving them.

“Sitting on the side of the road, sitting up on the overpasses and underneath the over passes,” said Spears.

The Florida Highway Patrol is asking its 1,600 troopers to drive fewer miles.

“Do stationary enforcement efforts where they can, stationary radar, driver’s license check points, things of that nature,” said FHP Captain Mark Welsh.

Troopers are also being asked to stay on top of their cruiser’s maintenance schedules. Troopers are taking a page out of Presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s playbook. They’re keeping their tires inflate to increase fuel efficiency.

Troopers are also paying closer attention to gas prices. Patrolman Will Grissom knows exactly where to fill up.

“We drive around a lot and that gives us an opportunity to see a lot of prices at gas stations,” said Grissom.

Grissom spots a speeder. He’ll write the driver a ticket but won’t call for backup unless things get out of hand. With gas prices so high using two cruisers for non-emergencies is too expensive. Troopers are also slowing down to save gas. Troopers we spoke with say they try to drive between 60 and 65 miles per hour on the interstate.