I think the fact that we as a society allow for cars to be driven at all, given the number of deaths that inevitably result, proves that there is at least some

I think the fact that we as a society allow for cars to be driven at all, given the number of deaths that inevitably result, proves that there is at least some utilitarian instinct. Because of course someone could always argue that cars themselves are a "centralized, attributable malefactor" (similar to, say, cigarettes). For instance we could imagine a world in which the only cars allowed on the road were emergency vehicles. In that world, your point might be stronger. And also, AI cars are on the roads, aren't they? Sure, not all of humanity is instantly going to be ok with them, but we'll probably get there (assuming the technology gets there).