A human driver has a good chance to recognize the situation for what it is and just hit the beachball. (Or heck, the hoodlum himself.)

Um where do you think this is happening exactly that people know that beachball = carjacking? Based on the language used, I suspect you aren't in such an area and are coming up with an unrealistic scenario here.

Okay, so we have to suppose we're driving through LA County's Palos Verdes Estates, and a beachball suddenly pops up. Fair enough.

anywhere.

i always bring up the examples of thak thak gangs in delhi to show actual threats which become worse with autonomous cars.

i suspect people in the first world who believe in autonomous cars are exposed to a very limited set of uses for roads and cars.

India is the place where the autonomous car dream goes to die.

after that every downgrades the idea to lower than level 5 driving.

Given that autonomous vehicles are supposed to lower the amount of traffic accidents, they should be programmed to exclude the lethal traffic accidents which are justified (basic on split-second information, live a little). At least beach balls will be relatively easy to recognize with computer vision. Problem is those pesky hoodlums will start dressing up as beach balls, throwing inflatable dolls in front of cars. And if you think that's a crazy idea, just wait and see what the actual future comes up with.

Honestly, the 21st century is basically clickbait: You won't believe what happens next!

I guess flame throwers are somehow cooler than installing bullet proof glass :)