Record prices on gasoline and diesel fuel have led more U.S. motorists to carpool, use public transportation or simply park their vehicles to save money. This factor has created another concern that ultimately threatens the safety of the roads we drive on. According to the Wall Street Journal, government officials fear that a lack of driving may result in an inadequate amount of highway funds needed to cover critical infrastructure projects.

Its no surprise that a recent study shows U.S. motorists reacted to higher fuel prices by driving less, to be exact, 3.7% fewer miles in May, 2008 than in the same month last year. The Department of Transportation also reports that motorists have cut back total miles driven by an estimated 40 billion over the past seven months.

Recently, federal lawmakers have attempted to replenish the Highway Trust Fund with a boost from the U.S. Treasury’s general fund. This request was fulfilled last week when the House of Representatives approved a measure that would stimulate the Highway Trust Fund with $8 million from the general fund.