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People are happier with their pants off. It might not be scientifically proven, but the

quarterly Undie Run in Westwood is definitely evidence that supports the statement.

The issue is that, because this beloved tradition has grown from a handful of students to more than 1,000 in only a few years, it might be in danger of cancelation.

Anyone who participated in the event last spring can agree that things may have gotten a little out of hand when students started jumping on parked and moving vehicles along the route of the run. (The run goes from the northern intersection of Gayley and Landfair avenues to the corner of Glenrock and Levering avenues, and ends where it started.)

Students should appreciate the event for what it is – a chance to break social norms – and not as a reason to break car windows and damage property.

University police have received complaints from many residents about cars being vandalized and the level of noise. At this rate, it might only be a matter of time before officers feel they have to step in to keep things under control.

It is the responsibility of students to make sure they enjoy the festivities in a responsible manner and to ensure there is no reason for the authorities and the administration to shut down what used to be a relatively harmless event.

We need to preserve this tradition so students can enjoy it in years to come – unlike the previous finals week tradition of Midnight Yell, which was banned due to students’ destructive behavior and widespread damage of property.

To keep the Undie Run going strong, students need to control their excitement and respect people’s property and the law.

It is also important to remember that some of the safety concerns voiced by law enforcement are valid, considering that some of the students who are running in the streets are also under the influence of alcohol.

The Undergraduate Student Association Council decided in early November to create a committee devoted to finding a solution to the safety concerns surrounding the Undie Run. But hopefully students will take it upon themselves to be responsible so that intervention will not be necessary.

This is one of few UCLA student-initiated traditions still alive, and it provides us with an outlet for the pent-up stress of finals week.

Once the end of the quarter hits, there isn’t much to look forward to for a solid week except papers, exams and stressed-out roommates. The chance to run around in offbeat costumes and undergarments – or watch others do it – is something to which students can eagerly look forward.

And for those students fed up with the noise, take this as a communal break with fellow UCLA students. The whole thing only lasts 30 minutes, and instead of reacting angrily, we invite you to come out to your balcony and enjoy the festivities. After all, come 12:30 a.m., it’s back to the books for all of us.

When all is said and done, what matters at the end of the night is that people tend to have more fun with their pants off. So, come Wednesday night, shed those layers and let off some steam.