Police departments across Haywood County have engaged in a number of high speed chases this year, most of which ended without injury.

But recent chase- related deaths and injuries in North Carolina, including a trooper death and a toddler thrown from a van, show the inherent dangers that can come along with pursuits.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 360 people are killed each year in police chases. And because there is no reporting system to account for pursuit deaths, that number could be higher.

The administration also says that about one-third of those killed in pursuits are innocent bystanders.

While there are many similarities between each of the county agency’s chase policies, some are more strict than others.

When deciding whether to chase a ...