According to a new Department of Transportation study, the nation’s drivers logged 1.4 billion fewer highway miles last month than they did at this time last year. In total, Americans have driven some 20 billion fewer miles overall in 2008, with vehicle miles on America’s entire road network falling 1.8 percent over the same period in 2007.

With record gas prices, more Americans are conserving fuel, traveling less, and some are using public transportation more as well.

Ironically, while that means less wear-and-tear on aging U.S. roads, it also means that the dollars available to repair and add to the network are down, as well, as much of the federal and state funding for roads is derived from gas taxes. Thus, despite the fact that roads are being traveled less, they may in fact deteriorate at a greater rate due to lessened upkeep. According to CNN, the federal Highway Trust Fund receives 18.4 cents per gallon of gas purchased, and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel fuel.

How are gas prices affecting you NextAutos users? Are you putting off trips, driving less, taking public transportation more, or are your habits largely unchanged?

+ CNN: Americans drive 1.4 billion fewer highway miles