Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Friday Video

Friday Video: How America Got Hooked on Cars

CNBC put together a solid 15-minute explainer on car dependency that's perfect for sending to anyone who's never thought about the role of automobility in their life.

Photo: Still from CNBC

It's Valentine's Day — but U.S. residents aren't all driving for the love of it. And on a recent episode of the CNBC series "Shifting Gears," experts unpacked exactly how more than a century worth of polices have put so many of us in long-term relationships with automobiles, whether we like it or not.

Featuring Peter Norton, Greg Shill, and a few other faces that will be familiar to longtime Streetsblog readers, it's the perfect video to send to folks who have never thought about why Americans rely so heavily on their cars, and what our country might look like if we supported a wider range of options — even if we don't break up with driving outright.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Analysis: What It Would Take To Put America First in Transit Again

No, it won't be easy. Yes, it can be done.

January 14, 2026

Opinion: Transportation Researchers Still Care About Equity. This Week They’re Proving It

This Thursday, progressives in transportation will fight back against the Trump administration.

January 14, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines Still Value Life

The EPA is backtracking on stronger ozone and fine particulate regulations, which could kill thousands of people.

January 14, 2026

Why Other States Should Imitate Illinois’ Groundbreaking Transportation Reform Law

One Illinois law saved the state's transit networks from a fiscal cliff — and created a model that other communities should follow, this group argues.

January 13, 2026

In NYC, Unlicensed Drivers Comprise One-Quarter Of Street Fatalities: Data

Unlicensed drivers are linked to fatal crashes much more often now than pre-pandemic

January 13, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines Need Exercise

Every hour in a car increases the risk of obesity by 6 percent, while walking a kilometer lowers it 5 percent.

January 13, 2026
See all posts