A federal transportation act signed by President Bush on Oct. 7 is propelling the state into the era of the so-called smart highway.

He also intends to make resources available for the development of 'smart' highway technology and high-tech short-haul aircraft.

It would travel automated smart highways at speeds of up to 200 miles an hour using wheel-mounted electric motors.

Germany is building "smart" highways and expanding its apprenticeship system.

Like other smart highways in planning stages elsewhere, California's will mix advanced computer techniques with new dashboard technologies.

Officials in Europe and Japan are also experimenting with smart highways.

Trying to make Interstate 70 here a "smart highway," Colorado authorities last month enlisted cellular-telephone technology to help install 9 message signs and 12 emergency roadside telephones.

I find it humorous we're talking about smart highways, and we can't even afford to put some asphalt in the potholes.

Criminal trash like the Rats roamed the highways and trailer parks of America, not smart enough or moral enough to settle down to productive living.