Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Car culture

Friday Video: How Violent Media Makes Road Violence Worse

From video games to movies to social media trends, the glamorization of road violence is everywhere — and a new documentary seeks to expose how that translates to real lives lost.

Graphic: Still from "Power Trip."

Reckless driving is all over American roads — but it's even more common in our car commercials, video games, action movies, and social media feeds, often with none of the tragic consequences that happen in real life. But how much of our roadway death crisis can be blamed on our media culture, and how can we stop motorists from mimicking what they see on so many of their screens?

That's the question at the heart of a fascinating new documentary, "Power Trip" from investigative reporter Myron Levin, featuring hard-hitting interviews with experts, advocates, traffic victims and their survivors — many of whom will be familiar faces to Streetsblog readers. We don't usually feature full-length films for Friday video, but we encourage you to take a longer break today and watch this one.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

City Shuts Down Volunteer Crosswalk Painting Event in Los Angeles

LAPD cited People's Vision Zero volunteer organizer Jonathan Hale for misdemeanor "vandalism on city property."

December 9, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Set the Record Straight

Folks who think dirtier cars will be cheaper to drive are in for a rude awakening.

December 9, 2025

Opinion: Sean Duffy’s ‘Golden Age’ of Dangerous Streets

Sean Duffy is calling for a "golden age" of civility in American travel. He should start by ending barbaric policies that get people killed on the ground and in the skies.

December 9, 2025

‘I’m Always on the Bus’: How Transit Advocacy Helped Katie Wilson Become Seattle’s Next Mayor

"I really think that our public transit system is such a big part of people's daily experience of government," says the incoming mayor of the Emerald City.

December 8, 2025

Who Rides on the Sidewalk? In NYC, Cops Think Only Blacks and Hispanics

The NYPD has ramped up its enforcement against cyclists for squeezing pedestrians, but in a very suspect manner.

December 8, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Why Is Vision Zero Failing?

If there really is a war on cars, the drivers are winning, according to a Washington Post investigation.

December 8, 2025
See all posts