There have also been quite a number of cartoons from the '40s and '50s, namely from Tex Avery and a few from I think early Warner studios, that did in fact portray cars racing trains and crossing tracks in time to "beat" the trains and having fun doing it. I'm pretty sure that there has never been an epidemic spanning from the '40s of kids actually trying that, and since I saw those cartoons myself as a kid several times, I know I certainly was never tempted to try it.
We were smarter? Have you noticed the lack of common sense lately? I never wanted to particularly emulate the music that I listened to but there certainly is a rap/thug culture now. We have 8 yr olds dressing like Britney Spears. And they are learning from TV, not Mom & Dad. Our culture has changed. Kids aren't being taught logic and common sense anymore.