As gas creeps up to $4 per gallon, we’re all feeling the pain in our wallets. However, there’s one positive aspect to this painful trend: safer roads.

That’s right. As the gas prices go up, car accidents go down. Why? Well, there are several reasons why gas prices and safer roads go hand-in-hand.

Less Driving

The more gas costs, the less people drive. Instead, they walk, bike and use public transportation. They stay home for dinner instead of driving in circles looking for a place to eat. They take fewer road trips and scenic cruises. They save their precious gas for the most basic and essential tasks, such as commuting to work or school.

This simple money-saving solution clears the way for safer roads. When more people limit their driving, there is less traffic. When there is less traffic, there are fewer collisions.

Teens Drive A Lot Less

Teens often have too much time and too little money on their hands. When gas prices are low, cruising around with friends can be a fun pass time.

However, teen drivers are risky drivers. They are more likely to be involved in an auto accident than experienced drivers. So when gas prices soar too high for the average teenage income (which is usually pretty low), younger drivers tend to drive less. Since there are fewer high risk drivers on the road, there are fewer accidents.

Hyper-miling and Driver Safety

Hyper-miling is a driving tactic that increases fuel efficiency. Hyper-milers drive slower, accelerate and decelerate more gradually, keep a safer following distance, and avoid areas with lots of intersections and traffic. All these gas-saving tactics are also great safe-driving habits.

It’s nice that higher gas prices are creating safer roads. Hopefully this trend will also create safer driving habits for the long run, because nobody wants to pour all their money into their gas tank.

In the mean time, feel free to complain about fuel costs while enjoying the collision-free commute.