(HealthDay News) -- The number of teen driver-related fatalities has dropped by almost half in the last six years, and the number of teen passengers killed in crashes involving teen drivers fell 30 percent in the United States from 2008 to 2011, a new national safety study reported Thursday.

On the other hand, the report on teen drivers found that texting, email, speeding and drinking remain deadly distractions.

The findings, from a joint report by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and State Farm Insurance, showed positive news in that 54 percent of teen passengers reported that they always used seat belts.

And there were other encouraging trends among teen passengers from 2008 to 2011:

- There was a decline in the risky behaviors of teen passengers, ages 15 to 19.

- The number of teen passengers who were killed in crashes and not wearing seat belts fell 23 percent.

Alabama drivers are getting a little relief at the pump. You may have noticed gas prices have dropped about 20 cents in the last month. It's a welcome sight as many people are traveling for spring break.

Several drivers say they pay close attention to gas prices and they're always searching for the cheapest prices.

"I get gas every three days and I spend $20 at a time so I end up spending a lot on gas. Less now that we moved. I still work in Trussville so it's a big of a drive but I spend a lot of time hunting for the station with the cheapest gas prices," driver Mia Osborn said.

Right now it looks like that's in Tuscaloosa where regular unleaded averages $3.43. In Birmingham, the average is $3.45, which is still cheaper than the state's average of $3.47. The national average is $3.65.

This time last month gas prices were hovering around $3.65 while the national average was $3.77.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Monday, AAA said that for 32 straight days, gas prices have gone up in the U.S. and their daily fuel gauge report shows the average price for regular gas in Alabama is now $3.57.

That's an increase of 35 cents in the last month. Experts say the rise in prices is due to three things: rising crude oil prices, refinery closures and production cuts.

With every dollar counting so much, there are some easy wasy to make the gas last. Franklin Automotive has some simple suggestions to help consumers.

1. Check your tires.

"If your tires aren't properly inflated or if the alignment is not done properly, both of those things can create drag. And if there's drag it's going to make your motor work hard to push the car," Booth Armstrong said.

2. Keep up with preventative maintenance, like oil and filter changes.