Zebu - // Could it be then the driver of the unmarked police-car is guilty of failing to recognize there was a significant danger to the public? //
Police officers in pursuits must give a running commentary to control where a senior officer will monitor risks, and if necessary, terminate a pursuit.
A pursuit is something no officer wants, contrary to Stargazer's assertion - for obvious reasons, and pursuit must be avoided if possible, and brought to a conclusion asap in order to minimise risk of loss of life to anyone involved, or innocent members of the public.
Any pursuit is a calculated risk, and by definition, given the speed at which events unfold, no-one can accurately assess the dangers at any time, which can occur in nanoseconds, and be beyond anyone to avoid or prevent.
That has to be balanced against the knowledge that failure to pursue gives carte blanche to criminals, who are far more dangerous and likely to cause fatalities than the trained and experienced officers trying to stop them.