There has been a sharp rise in the number of car chases police are involved in.

The annual number has risen nearly two-thirds in the last three years.

More people died last year in chases than the last three years combined, and more than any year since 2010.

AUT criminology lecturer, John Buttle, says there are no easy answers... both chasing people, and letting them go, can be dangerous.

He told Kate Hawkesby those fleeing often think putting their foot down is the best option.

"If you're in the wrong and you've got something to hide, you may decide to run. There's a number of reasons for fleeing the police. If you sit down and think about it from the perspective of the person who's actually driving, they're quite logical."

LISTEN TO JOHN BUTTLE TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE