WSU psychologists, KDOT begin project to combat underage drinking

Underage drinking is a serious problem in Kansas with youth under the age of 21 at a higher risk for alcohol-related traffic crashes, deaths and injuries.

In a one-year project, two WSU community psychologists will assess the extent of the problem and identify programs to combat the issue already in place in Kansas.

Elsie Shore, professor of psychology, will serve as project director and Jim Salt will be the coordinator for The Kansas Enforcing The Underage Drinking Laws Project. Shore and Salt also will gather information on national underage drinking prevention efforts. The process will culminate in a statewide conference in April.

"KDOT is committed to reducing alcohol-related crashes in the state," said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary E. Dean Carlson. "This needs-assessment study will provide valuable information to help us develop a strategic plan for combating underage drinking."

Funding for the project is provided by a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support and enhance efforts to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol to minors under the age of 21.