Keeping safe on the "biggest party night of the year" - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Keeping safe on the "biggest party night of the year"

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. - Holidays like New Years Eve and St. Patrick's Day come close, but many call Thanksgiving Eve the biggest drinking night or going out night of the year.

Several local organizations and bars are making sure people don't drink and drive.

"I think it's a combination of everything," said Michael Callagan, manager of The Mill Tavern. "People know they have off tomorrow to sit and eat turkey, so why not go out, meet up with some old college friends and have a couple drinks."

To make sure those people don't get behind the wheel, the owner of The Mill is offering free cab rides, from exit 8 to exit 12 on the Northway. That's something customers like Cindy Brown don't take for granted.

"I know that I have a safe ride home and I know that I don't have to worry about hurting anyone on the way home," said Brown.

Mark Balistreri knows all too well the dangers of drunk driving. Five years ago, he lost his wife Annette and her parents, when they were killed by a drunk driver in Florida.

"You're affected when something like this happens, it'll never change," said Balistreri.

Since that time, Balistreri created Netters Fund, which provides free cab rides from across the area. Twenty-two bars in Rensselaer County are participating and with the help of corporate sponsors, at least 5 more are looking to be added.

He says big drinking night like this one are especially important to be safe. But in the end, no matter what is offered, it's all up to you.

"It's all a matter of choices," he said. "Let's face it; people have accidents every day that haven't had a drop to drink."

While Thanksgiving Eve is a special night for The Mill, Netters Fund runs 365 days a year and they even take you back to your car the day after you take a cab ride. You can find all the information here.