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

Scofflaw Manufacturers Could Be The Downfall of E-bikes

If illegal e-motorcycles are the downfall of legitimate e-bikes, manufacturers and retailers should look themselves in the eye, not blame it on their customers.

December 23, 2025

Failure of Electric Bus System Means Pollution Will Continue in NYC

The Adams administration gives a major bus company a reprieve from idling laws — because battery-powered systems apparently don't exist yet.

December 23, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Let the Kids Cross

Waymos have adopted a dangerous habit of human drivers: swerving to get around stopped school buses.

December 23, 2025

This Holiday Travel Season, It’s Time to End the Stigma Around Intercity Buses

"The future of travel is not about choosing one mode over another. It is about building a balanced, interconnected system where buses, trains, planes, and cars complement each other."

December 23, 2025

New Bill Would Help ‘REPAIR’ America’s Worst Infrastructure — By Reimagining It For People

The concept of "reconnecting communities" torn apart by federal infrastructure has come under fire by GOP leaders in Washington. This Senator says it's time to renew the program anyway — and more than triple its funding.

December 22, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Belong to All of Us

The success of car-free streets depends on how well they foster community connections.

December 22, 2025
See all posts