How much time do you spend in traffic?

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A study by researchers at Texas A-and-M University shows the average Indianapolis commuter spent 41 hours last year sitting in stop-and-go or slow-and-go traffic, and it cost them $930.

The Urban Mobility Report also showed each commuter – who used the interstate system during peak rush-hour traffic – used 393 pounds of excess pollution.

The results are actually an improvement from 2006 when Indy commuters spent 49 hours sitting in traffic.

The Indiana Department of Transportation said the improvement is no coincidence -- pointing to interstate improvement projects including added lanes, plus a traffic management center where workers monitor dozens of cameras eyeing interstates throughout the metro area. 

30 more cameras will be added in the next few months.

"We're working up into Madison County, Boone County, Morgan County, outlying places like that,” said INDOT spokesperson Nathan Riggs.

Riggs also pointed out the addition of electronic message boards in recent years to alert drivers to backups so they can find alternate routes.

Riggs also mentioned the Hoosier Helpers program. It dispatches drivers to get stranded motorists on their way faster to minimize the effect on traffic.

Cory Carleton of Fishers said he spends a lot of time in stop and go traffic during his commute to Indianapolis each day. But he said he takes patience and a positive attitude with him.

"Especially, living in Fishers, it's a growing area so it's expected you’d be in traffic more," he said. "Just part of life."

Researchers pointed to the recession as a reason for the decreased delays.

Washington D-C drivers had it the worst. Commuters spent 67 hours last year delayed in traffic.

Indianapolis ranked 23rd.