DENVER -- Colorado drivers who are trying to stretch their gas dollar may be running on fumes.

The number of Coloradans running out of gas on the highway skyrocketed 52 percent in the first five months of 2008 compared to the same time last year, according to the Allstate Motor Club. From January through May of 2008, Coloradans called the motor club for fuel delivery 73 times.

This reflects a similar upward trend countrywide, the Allstate Motor Club said.

"We can't directly correlate this rise in the number of people running out of gas to the rise in prices at the pump, but anecdotally, we know that consumers are trying hard to stretch their dollar and sometimes that means stretching fuel into fumes," said Susan Youngs, with Allstate. "Drivers should remember running out of gas on the highway can be a lot more than an inconvenience; it can be hazardous."

Youngs said the average wait time for a can of gas is half an hour, but more troublesome than the hassle is the danger of being stuck on the road.

Running out of gas increases the risk of much more serious accidents for the driver with the empty tank and other motorists who suddenly have to maneuver around the stopped vehicle, Allstate's roadside assistance experts said.

Tips If You Run Out Of Gas

If you feel your car running out of gas, get off the road. Pulling your car to the curb will help keep you, your passengers and your vehicle from becoming traffic hazards and help keep you safe.

If you run out of gas in traffic, stay in your vehicle until you are absolutely certain it is safe to get out of the vehicle. Push your vehicle to the side of the road only after you are clear of other cars and you are sure it is safe.

Call for help after you and your passengers are in a secure location.

The best advice is to conserve gas without running to empty.

Improve Fuel Efficiency

Slow down. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. For every 5 mph that a person drives over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas.

Keep your car maintained and running smoothly with regular tune-ups and upkeep. Checking and replacing air filters can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, and will help protect your engine. Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent. You can also improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil.

Use your engine wisely. Using cruise control on the highway will help you maintain a constant speed. Using overdrive gearing helps keep your car's engine speed down, saving gas and reducing engine wear.

Be smart about driving. Run errands together, rather than taking separate trips. Take advantage of carpools, mass transit and telecommuting options. If you can, stagger your work commute to avoid peak rush hours.

Keep your car light. Too often cars become long-term storage facilities. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2 percent.

Make smart vehicle choices. If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible. Also, consider purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle.