Gas prices continue to fall nationwide. After dropping for almost a month, the average price for a gallon of gas is currently $3.82.

That price is 5 cents lower than this time last year when the average cost was $3.99 per gallon.

According to the Energy Department's weekly survey, this is the first time in 2-1/2 years the U.S. average dropped below that of the previous year.

The drop is a relief for drivers, especially after some earlier predictions said Americans would pay a record $5 per gallon for gasoline this summer.

Gas prices are coming down because crude oil costs are lower.