PITTSBURGH -- South Side bars braced for a busy night Wednesday, and police across the region are taking extra steps to make sure they get drunken drivers off the roads.

The big crowds equal big business at Fathead's restaurant on East Carson Street. The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the biggest bar nights of the year. Thousands of people are expected to descend on Carson Street to meet up with family and old friends. "I'm home from school and hanging out with my sister," said Samantha Hoak.

Of course, the key to having a safe celebration is to hand the keys to a designated driver or find a cab. As more people drink, police are putting more officers on patrol. Pittsburgh police have stepped up law enforcement efforts as well as agencies throughout the North Hills.

The Ross Township Police Department said it doubled its staff and is working with other agencies conducting roving DUI patrols Wednesday night. "We concentrate patrols on the arteries and concentrate traffic patrols specifically looking for impaired drivers," said Sgt. Bill Bennet.

There are 11 different police departments involved in Wednesday's North Hills DUI task force.