Figures released to the Mike Hosking Breakfast show police are engaging in far more pursuits.

In 2009, a total of 2347 pursuits were engaged in. In 2017, that had increased to nearly 3800.

And despite the proportion of abandoned pursuits nearly doubling, the rate of injuries and deaths continues to increase.

In 2009, there were 81 injuries and deaths, but in 2017, there were 170.

National manager of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally told Mike Hosking drivers need to come to their senses.

"What we're seeing with eight people dying this year in these sorts of incidents is it's just not worth the risk."

He says they often have little choice when people decide to flee, which can escalate very quickly.

"We can talk about whatever it is that's going on in your life, whether it's a warrant to arrest or no license, but we can't do that if your dead. Would you want the death of anybody on your shoulders for the rest of your life for the sake of a stupid decision."

Former police officer turned crash investigator Hamish Piercy says police are between a rock and a hard place when someone's breaking the law or dangerous and just guns it because of the danger of both situations.

He told Mike Hosking more scrutiny should be put on the person who caused the chase.

"It turns the focus on the police officer pursuing and their decision, but there's not as much focus put on the person who's actually driven off."

LISTEN TO STEVE GREALLY TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE