Good example, but what the autonomous car would likely do then is brake gently as soon as it starts to be tailgated so the speed is safe for the distance to the

Good example, but what the autonomous car would likely do then is brake gently as soon as it starts to be tailgated so the speed is safe for the distance to the car behind. This would no doubt seriously discourage tailgating, and mostly prevent the scenario you describe from developing. But I agree, you can't completely avoid all crashes, especially if someone is determined to crash into you.