Yes I think this is one of the main issues and it is difficult to teach in driving school because it is an attitude issue not a skills issue.The biggest difference I find is the lack of courtesy which goes a long way to making better drivers.
I think any steps being taken in terms of tighter laws is a good thing, but at the end of the day it is the same as every other problem area we have - people in general don't seem to be brought up with the courtesy/thoughtfulness/etc etc that we used to. And with more cars on the roads these days it is even more important that we have that.