Lots of folks tried to get a jump on the holiday weekend traffic Friday night.
According to AAA, a record 115.6 million people will travel from Saturday to Wednesday, but those that took to the road Friday night had a tough road to go.
Juan Holguin had almost made it home to Grand Prairie before a minor repair sidelined him.
He said traffic and weather combined to stretch his normal five-hour trip into eight.
"It's been bad. We got on the road. We actually came from Corpus Christi, Texas, and decided to get on the road and be with the family for the holidays," he said.
Traffic stayed tight and heavy all along I-35 Friday night, frustrating drivers like Noel Leal, who started in Laredo-Monterrey, hoping to make it to Dallas.
"How did the traffic seem?" asked 25 News reporter Dennis Turner.
"In Austin, it moved very slow, and in Waco, the construction made it very bad," Leal responded.
It's one reason Carlos Delatorre decided to take his trip in short hops.
"One hour from here to there. It's not getting better," he said.
Experts say it's a good idea to get out and stretch your legs once in a while and get some fresh air to help you stay awake and keep the blood flowing.
Leal said no matter where you came from, wet, crowded roads had lots of folks re-thinking their travel schedule.
"Where do I hope to be on Christmas? Denver right now. That's the plan. We will see if we get there," said Delatorre.
Speaking of getting there, the Holguin brothers made quick work of their repairs and offered this bit of advice.
"Double-check your tires, check your fluids and check your lights," said Juan.
Because at Christmas, he says, it's never good to keep loved ones waiting.
AAA says 853,000 drivers will call for roadside assistance from now until Christmas.
