From CNN.com:

"Some California drivers are resorting to desperate measures to beat the surge in gas prices at the pump — deliberately running dry on the state's freeways and simply waiting for rescue.

Lujan's 20 trucks roam the busy freeways of Orange and Los Angeles counties as part of a publicly funded patrol that gives a free gallon of gas to drivers who have run out of fuel. It also offers other basic assistance to drivers whose vehicles have broken down.

"There was one guy a while back who was stopping every morning and trying to get his one free gallon," said [an operator of such a service]"

There are other, silent, victims in the gas crisis that our benevolent overlord just realized was like, a big problem or something.

What about time cost? What about opportunity cost, huh huh? Who sheds tears for them?

"Drivers Run Out of Gas to Save Money" [CNN.com] (Thanks to Jessica!)