Some cities and states have a great concept with left hand turns. Most protected left turns have a green turn arrow while the traffic going straight waits at the red light. In other states, the traffic going straight is allowed to go first. Those turning left can go if there is no traffic coming in an unprotected fashion. After a number of seconds, the through-traffic light turns red and the left-turn arrow turns green.

In my opinion, this is a more effecient system. Most traffic at most intersections will be going through and not turning. Why should the bulk of the drivers have to wait for the fewer?

There are some great traffic control measures out there. This is one (along with roundabouts).