Have fun, stay safe and keep an eye out this Halloweekend

It’s that time of the year: Halloween weekend (from now on in this column, Halloweekend). For many college students, it’s one of the best weekends of the year: a chance to get dressed up, be someone (or something) else for a handful of hours, let out some stress and enjoy a fun time with friends.

However, it is important to recognize that with the increased fun on Halloweekend, there’s also increased danger. According to a Northeaster University professor, “violent crimes increase by as much as 50% on Halloween.” Some of the most common crimes committed on Halloween, particularly at colleges and universities, are assault, battery, vandalism and sexual assault. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “40% of car accident fatalities on Halloween night are due to drinking and driving,” compared to the average 29%.

This Editorial Board isn’t trying to dampen your fun. Rather, we want to remind you to stay safe this weekend—whether your plans include staying in and watching a horror movie or going out. Here are a few things for you to keep in mind—to help you, your friends and our campus community stay as safe as possible:

**Use the buddy system**

When going to or leaving a party or an event, make sure you leave with the same people you came with. If not everyone, make sure you and one other person stay together. Don’t go out by yourself, especially after dark, and in places where you are not totally familiar with. By staying with one, and ideally more than one person, you will make situations safer for you and your friends.

**Stop at buzzed**

According to a study done at the Rutgers University Center for Alcohol Studies, higher accidents occur at event-specific drinking occasions (holidays, special occasions and school breaks). Know your limit, and if you do choose to drink, do not get behind the wheel. We have buses running until 2 a.m. at CSB and 2:15 a.m. at SJU. Have a friend who is not drinking that night be the designated driver if you choose to stay out past those times. For more information, visit @csbsju_buzzed on Instagram.

**Be respectful on the Link**

If you do choose to use the Link this weekend, remember to be respectful of the bus driver and not to make their jobs any harder than they already are. They work every single day of the week and later hours on the weekends to ensure we get to and from both campuses safely.

**Stay vigilant**

As we’ve mentioned before, it is important to keep an eye out on your friends. But also remember to watch your drinks. Any time you leave your drink unattended, especially if it is open, it is an opportunity for someone to slip something in your drink. Never accept a drink, whether that be alcoholic or not, from someone you do not know.

**Ask for help**

If you, your friend or someone you see is in danger, don’t hesitate to reach out to SJU Life Safety or CSB Security for immediate assistance. The number for Life Safety is 320-363-2144 and the number for CSB Security is 320-363-5000.

There will be lots of fun opportunities to enjoy Halloween at on campus events (which will surely be a safe and alcohol-less experience than other off-campus extracurriculars). African Student Association (ASA) is hosting a Halloween costume party this Friday at Brother Willie’s Pub starting at 9 p.m. There will be a costume contest and prizes for the winner in each category. Japanese Bunka Club is showing the movie, “Suicide Forest Village” this Saturday from 7-9 p.m. in Pellegrene Auditorium and will also be providing snacks and drinks. And on Monday, there will be a pumpkin painting contest at Gorecki Dining Center from 5-6 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

Whatever way you choose to celebrate Halloween this year, please remember to take care of yourself and watch out for your fellow Bennies and Johnnies this weekend. Halloween is an exciting time on campus, and everyone deserves to have the safest (and most fun) experience possible.