Lifestyle | gas prices Road Deaths Drop as Gas Price Soars Study estimates $4 gas will prevent 1,000 deaths a month By Rob Quinn Posted Jul 12, 2008 7:30 AM CDT Copied Erick Kelly, a petroleum driver for ConocoPhillips, puts away hoses after filling tanks at a gas station Monday, June 30, 2008, in north Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) The record-breaking gas prices putting the squeeze on American drivers may be a lifesaver for some, reports the AP. Experts crunched 20 years of data and discovered that auto deaths fell 2.3% for every 10% hike in gas prices. When gas went up, people drove slower and bought safer vehicles. Risk-taking young drivers were priced off the roads. They estimate $4 gas will prevent 1,000 deaths a month. Read These Next What people are saying about Jimmy Kimmel's suspension. ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel under pressure. Obama warns US is facing an unprecedented 'political crisis.' Inside one of Pennsylvania's deadliest days for law enforcement. Report an error