E. Behavioral Risk Factors

The California Behavioral Risk Survey is an annual survey conducted by the State to determine behavioral risk factors in the general population. A sampling of approximately 14,000 individuals participating statewide is used. Unfortunately, the sample from Humboldt and Del Norte Counties is so small that statistically valid statements about area residents cannot be made.

Information is available from other state agencies, however, on alcohol-involved collisions by county and is summarized in the following tables.

Table S4.17-2: Alcohol Involved Automobile Collisions
Humboldt County

1993 1994 1995 Totals Fatalities Injuries Fatalities Injuries Fatalities Injuries Fatalities Injuries Alcohol involved Collisions 7 130 14 166 18 152 40 448 Persons killed or injured in Alcohol involved collisions 7 194 17 238 23 250 47 682

Source: Department of California Highway Patrol, Annual Report of Fatal and Injury Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions, 1993, 1994, & 1995

In this three year period of time, there was a total of 82 persons killed in all traffic accidents in the region. Of this number, alcohol was involved in accidents killing 48 persons, or 58.5% of all fatalities.

Exhibit 4.10 provides a graphic representation of the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents with victims killed or injured. With motor vehicle crashes one of the top causes of death in the region, the fact that the rate of accidents involving alcohol is greater than the statewide rate is not surprising. It is important to note that the rates for both Humboldt and Del Norte are increasing while the Californis rate is decreasing during this time period.

Exhibit 4.10: Alcohol Related Traffic Accidents with Victims Killed or Injured

Source: California Highway Patrol, Annual Report of Fatal and Injury Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions

Information is also available on whether or not seat belts were used in the motor vehicle accidents. These data are summarized in the following tables.

Table S4.17.4: Seat Belt Usage in All Automobile Collisions
Involving Injuries and Fatalities,
Humboldt County, 1993-1995

1993 1994 1995 Total Used Not Used Total Used Not Used Total Used Not Used Persons Killed 15 5 10 26 11 15 25 10 15 Persons Injured 1,013 745 268 1,005 741 264 972 691 281

Source: Department of California Highway Patrol, Annual Report of Fatal and Injury Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions, 1993, 1994 & 1995

In the region during this three year period, there were 82 persons killed in automobile collisions of which 46% wore seat belts and 54% did not. During the same time period, 3,858 persons were injured in automobile collisions, of which 73% wore seat belts and 27% did not.

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