Would you program a self-driving car to save your life or a pedestrian’s?

Self-driving cars are emerging as a popular technology, but as with any new technology, ethical dilemmas are becoming apparent. KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson decided to poll the studio and his listeners about how they would handle one big decision.

If a pedestrian is in the roadway and the self-driving car has to choose between killing the pedestrian or taking an action that would kill the passenger, what should the car do?

“Pedestrians have blindly stumbled into the road in front of your self-driving car,” Dori explained, after reading  an article on the subject. “There is not enough stopping distance to avoid hitting them — the only bailout for the self-driving car to avoid hitting the pedestrians is to crash into a concrete pillar in the middle of the road. But this will almost certainly kill the driver.”

Related: Analyst argues that self-driving cars will replace private car ownership in Seattle within 15 years

What should the self-driving car do — save the pedestrian or save the passenger?

Dori asked producer Nicole, board operator Sean, and anchor Maura. Nicole — believing she will survive anything from a car wreck to a plane crash — would want the car to spare the pedestrian. Maura agreed. But Sean and Dori feel differently. Sean pointed out that if pedestrians are in the roadway while the programmed car is driving, the car is likely doing what it should, and the pedestrians are doing something they should not.

“I’m going to program my car to kill … to protect myself and my family,” Sean said.

“If I’m buying a car, I want it to protect me,” Dori quickly agreed. “I want a loyal car.”

But he admits there are still dilemmas.

“If somebody stumbles in front of your vehicle — maybe they’re drunk, but maybe it’s a little kid chasing a ball that went into the street,” he said. “The car is not going to make that evaluation.”

Dori posed the questions to his listeners. As it turns out, Dori’s audience took his side. Out of six listeners, only one would save the pedestrian.

• Andy in Lacey would save the driver
• Anna in Olympia would save the driver
• Pete in Marysville would save the pedestrian
• John in Poulsbo would save the driver
• Rick in Spanaway would save the driver

What would Dori’s online audience do? Comment below.

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