It may not seem like there are fewer traffic jams, and the gas station probably looks busier than ever every time you stop to fill up.

But a new study shows that Americans are in fact driving less. We're seeing a steady shift in how people get around, with more people leaving their keys at home and finding other ways to get around.

"This is an important change," said Michael Sivak, who conducted the study at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. "This is the first time we've ever seen a drop like this."

(Read more: Teen drivers nearly double car insurance premiums)

