>I think I saw an earlier HN thread that suggested that they might put occupants at greater risk of kidnapping because the cars could refuse to take evasive actions that endanger or injure a kidnapper
What alternative would a human take? Would they kill the kidnappers by driving over them?
I guess that's the simplest one that a self-driving car's software might not approve of. Or intentionally collide with a kidnapper's vehicle, or just make a prohibited turn or run a red light to try to escape.
These scenarios are kind of vague because they don't make it clear whether the self-driving car lets a human driver take over and take full responsibility.
I think a human would drive over a kidnapper. Say your car is bullet proof. A man in a ski mask wielding a machine gun jumps in front of the road and orders you to stop. You refuse, he starts shooting at your car as you get near him (this is why I made your car bullet proof, to keep you alive but unequivocally demonstrate clear and present danger to you). In such a scenario, if your only escape route is over the dead body of the man in a ski mask, I bet a human will take that option.
What alternative would a human take? Would they kill the kidnappers by driving over them?