Thanksgiving traffic busiest since 2005

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (KGO) -- If you haven't left home yet for Thanksgiving dinner at grandma's house, be prepared for stop and go traffic on this getaway Wednesday.

Driver Wendell Rose of San Leandro says it's frustrating.

"It was horrible, horrible. Just a wave of cars," Rose said.

Jessica Starks' drive from Santa Cruz up to Lake County has been bumper-to-bumper crowded. "It's been like this the whole way. Just kind of stop and go," she said.

For Norma Welch of Vallejo it's the kind of pre-Thanksgiving traffic that can trigger a migraine.

"I can't deal with it. With the price of gas. It's too much," Welch said.

AAA's Michael Blasky says despite gas prices being 50 to 60 cents per gallon higher than they were this time last year, people are traveling.

"In the Bay Area we project more than 2-million people on the road this week. More than 90 percent of the people who travel will choose to drive," said Blasky.

Interstates 80, 680, 880, 580 - you name the free way and the CHP says it will be jammed. Not only that, expect to see lots of highway patrol officers on the road.

"We're going to be out in force making sure our roadways are safe. Our biggest deal is we want to be looking for distracted drivers, seat belt violations, speed if anyone's moving fast," Sgt. Robert Nacke said.

AAA and the highway patrol also remind drivers to check tire pressure and headlights to make sure everything is safe and in working order before you leave. And If you haven't left yet, Blasky says you may want to wait a while. "Leaving after 9 o'clock when the commute traffic sort of has time to mellow out that would be the best bet for tonight. Otherwise Turkey day is a good day to travel in the morning." Blasky said.

And of course drinking and driving is a big no-no. The CHP says not only can it cost you your license, it could cost you or someone dear to you their life. The same goes for distracted driving.