LAS VEGAS -- As gas prices continue to tumble, you may discover you have some extra money. So, does that mean more spending, shopping and driving?

Gas prices have finally dropped lower than $3 in the Valley.

At a gas station on Boulder Highway and East Russell Road, the price dropped four cents throughout the day on Tuesday, compared to a month ago on average. Statewide, Nevada’s gas prices have dropped 62 cents.

"Saving the extra money goes a long way to buying more groceries, more shopping. With the holidays, it helps out a lot," said Adam Sasarita.

Sasarita said it’s like a tax cut. Some experts said the annual savings may even wind up being larger than the government’s rebate checks. They said prices are dropping because of lower demand for oil due to a weaker economy.

"At some point, that’s bound to change. And when it does, prices are likely to go back up," said sourthern Nevada AAA spokesman Michael Geeser.

Currently, statewide regular gas prices stand at about $2.87 on average, compared to a year ago at $2.92, and a month ago at $3.49.

Some motorists said when you have a family, you take what you can get.

But have the lowered gas prices increased driving in the Valley?

"We may be right in that target area where people decide to go driving and have more money in their pocket because gas is lower and start to drive," Geeser said.

AAA officials said with the current state of the economy and unemployment, some people may choose not to drive. But they said during the holidays, people drive more.