Figures released to 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."

LISTEN TO STEVE GREALLY TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE