Commentary: The social dilemma of autonomous vehicles

An autonomous vehicle (AV) car with 1 passenger (e.g., the car owner) inside is traveling within the speed limit down the road. However, unexpectedly, 10 pedestrians have appeared in its path and it is too late for the car to brake. The car must either save the passenger by driving into the 10 pedestrians and killing them, or save the 10 pedestrians by swerving into a barrier and killing the passenger. Should the AV algorithm be programmed to save the passenger, or to save the greater number of people? This question is of great importance to the AV industry, policy makers, the potential buyers, and the general public.