A new study from the University of South Florida suggests that outdated traffic signals may be a major factor behind long wait times at intersections across Florida.

Jeff Brandes, former state senator and president of the nonprofit Florida Policy Project, is leading efforts to modernize traffic management and improve daily commutes for Floridians.

“We’ve all been stuck at a red light with no other cars in sight, wondering why we’re still waiting,” Brandes told Bay News 9.

The study, Best Practices: Signalized Intersection Improvements, found that many of Florida’s traffic signals still operate on decades-old technology.

“A lot of our traffic infrastructure is based on 1960s technology—essentially just simple timers, like those in a kitchen,” Brandes explained. “But we know traffic patterns constantly change.”

Researchers analyzed data from 16,000 intersections across the state and discovered that the average traffic delay in Florida is 20.4 seconds, compared to the national average of 18.1 seconds.

The study proposes a solution: replacing traditional timer-based signals with AI-powered systems that adapt in real-time, potentially helping ease traffic congestion.

“Machine learning and sensor technology have advanced significantly,” Brandes said. “We now have the tools to make smart traffic management a reality.”

Some local governments, such as Hillsborough County, are already using AI to monitor traffic conditions, but the technology has yet to be fully implemented to control signal timing directly.

Brandes pointed out that AI-driven traffic lights are already in use in other parts of the country and could be a cost-effective alternative to widening roads or building new infrastructure.

“We need to think beyond adding lanes and focus on optimizing traffic flow so people aren’t stuck at unnecessary red lights,” he said.

To make this a reality, Brandes is urging state lawmakers to allocate funding or incentives for local governments to modernize their traffic systems.

“This technology is only going to improve over time,” he said. “Upgrading traffic signals isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making intersections safer for both drivers and pedestrians.”

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