The consequences of excessive alcohol use among youth and young adults are enormous.

• Underage drinking is a factor in nearly half of all teen automobile crashes, the leading cause of death among teenagers;
• Among young adult drinkers, fully 42% report binge drinking in the last 30 days
• Alcohol contributes to youth suicides, homicides and fatal injuries;
• Alcohol abuse is linked to as many as two-thirds of all sexual assaults and acquaintance rapes among teens and college students;
• One in five college students can be classified as a binge drinker

In addition, there is significant public concern among Ventura County residents about alcohol-related health and safety risks. According to a recent telephone survey of residents, respondents expressed strong concern about drunk driving, binge drinking, and drinking in homes where only youth are present.