This study was designed to quantify the contribution of both extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors on behaviour that results in injury using logistic regression analysis. A case-control design using data collected from injured patients at an emergency department (n=797) and a community sample matched on time of injury (n=797) was used in the analysis. Two hypothesis were suggested and supported by the results; 1) extrinsic factors such as, location, activity, drug and alcohol use and the type of people present at the time of the injury were related to a greater risk of injury than intrinsic variables (health risk taking and preference for risk taking) and, 2) there was a significant association between measures of extrinsic and intrinsic risk taking on injury risk. The result of this research suggests prevention strategies that target the situation and environment rather than the individual may result in the greatest reduction in injury. Therefore, further research needs to identify and specify the particular factors that increase and decrease injury risk in these situations.