Clark goes nuts when he has to wait at a red light when there's no traffic in sight. It drives him bonkers that in 2007 we're still not using advanced transportation management techniques on a large scale. "Smart" lights -- which sense the flow of traffic and allow lights to stay green for longer if there are no cars around -- are one example of advanced transportation management. Not having more "smart" lights leads to wasted fuel and air pollution, as motorists unnecessarily sit at red lights when they could safely be traveling.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the city of Orlando is getting ready to spend $10 million to install "smart" traffic signals, plus a staffed bunker to monitor traffic following major concert and sports events. The staffers will help keep the lights green as needed to prevent buildup. This move will ultimately save a fortune. Of course, you don't want to be that unlucky motorist who comes up on a side street when the people in the bunker are trying to improve traffic flow on a major road. Orlando also plans to put signage on surface streets telling motorists where to go when there are traffic tie-ups. These simple techniques are great for tourist areas where there's already a lot of traffic. Florida also frequently alleviates traffic by building overpasses at the intersections of busy surface streets, not just freeways.