Five ways to Drive Change In Our Driving Culture

As we enter 2026, the American driving landscape remains in a state of critical transition. While safety technology has advanced, traffic fatalities persist at levels many experts call unacceptable, with approximately 112 people killed on U.S. roadways every single day. To reach the ultimate goal of zero fatalities, a fundamental shift in American driving culture is required—one that moves away from viewing road deaths as inevitable and toward a "Safe System" where every life is prioritized across all types of roads.

1. Adopting the Safe System Mindset

The cornerstone of this cultural change is the Safe System Approach, which is the guiding paradigm for the U.S. Department of Transportation through 2026. This approach acknowledges two key truths.

Humans make mistakes

Our roads must be designed so that a simple error does not result in a fatal outcome.

Humans are vulnerable

The human body has limited tolerance for impact. Reducing speeds on residential and business streets is essential to ensuring that when crashes do occur, they are survivable.

2. Eliminating the "Culture of Distraction"

Distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023, and it remains a primary target for safety advocates in 2026.

Changing the culture means

Phone-Down Before Key-In: Drivers are encouraged to make a "non-negotiable habit" of mounting phones and setting GPS before moving the vehicle.

Active Passenger Involvement

Cultivating a culture where passengers feel empowered to speak up when a driver reaches for a device.

Tech Integration

Utilizing apps like LifeSaver or AT&T DriveMode that actively lock phones when they sense the vehicle is in motion.

3. Redefining Speed and Aggression

Speeding killed nearly 12,000 people in 2023. A shift in culture requires moving away from the "speed as a target" mentality to "speed as a limit".

Patient Navigation

Drivers must stop "reactive" driving and start anticipating hazards by looking 10–15 seconds down the road.

Accepting Automated Enforcement

While controversial, more communities are turning to red-light and speed cameras to support local safety missions and curb aggressive behaviors.

Slowing for Others

A cultural commitment to "Move Over" laws protects first responders, roadside crews, and work zone workers whose lives are at risk every day.

4. Shared Responsibility on Local Streets

Changing the culture means recognizing that highways aren't the only danger zones. Residential and business streets require a different level of vigilance.

Protecting Vulnerable Users

New federal funding—such as the $1 billion issued in late December 2025—is specifically targeting improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists through better sidewalks and roundabouts.

Yielding Culture

Drivers must embrace a culture of yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and being cautious when passing stopped buses.

5. Accountability and Legislative Support

As of 2026, many states are still working to close gaps in their safety laws. The 2026 Roadmap to Safety highlights that 29 states still lack optimal primary seat belt laws for rear passengers, and 24 states need stricter cell phone restrictions for young drivers. Advocates are pushing for stricter penalties, including "No Alcohol Sale" red-striped IDs for those convicted of extreme DUIs to further discourage impaired driving.

By treating roadway safety as a shared responsibility between drivers, engineers, and policymakers, America can begin to foster a culture where everyone arrives safely, regardless of how they travel.

Best Practices For Sharing The Road

Sharing the road safely requires knowledge and courtesy. Here are best practices for passenger vehicle operators when interacting with large trucks:

• Passing and Merging: When passing a truck, do so quickly and completely, avoiding lingering in blind spots. When merging, give trucks plenty of space, especially near ramps.
• Wide Turns: Trucks often need to swing wide to make turns. Never try to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.
• Patience and Courtesy: Be patient, avoid aggressive driving, and use signals clearly to communicate your intentions.