For the first barrier question, I choose to "hit the pedestrians".
The probability of hitting the wall if you drive at it is 1. The probability of hitting the pedestrians isn't necessarily 1, since they can react to you. Probably not very well, but perhaps they can jump out of the way or behind the barrier or something.
Also, can this car not also HONK LOUDLY when it makes the decision to drive towards the pedestrians? This would further lower the risk that the pedestrians will actually get hit.
Exactly what I came here to say. Activate the horns/car alarm, switch off the engine/disconnect the clutch, avoid obstacles if possible but otherwise go in a straight line, below some speed threshold hitting a solid obstacle is acceptable. Done.
The probability of hitting the wall if you drive at it is 1. The probability of hitting the pedestrians isn't necessarily 1, since they can react to you. Probably not very well, but perhaps they can jump out of the way or behind the barrier or something.
Also, can this car not also HONK LOUDLY when it makes the decision to drive towards the pedestrians? This would further lower the risk that the pedestrians will actually get hit.