If you're afraid of exceeding the speed limit, you're probably not cut out to be driving.

I've been driving for over 25 years, and experience has taught me that speed limits are rarely a good indicator of the appropriate speed in a given area for capable drivers.

Like most of the parameters of control in society, speed limits are derived from an abundance of caution, to account for the least capable among us. If state legislatures set a 45mph limit for a given road, that means they've determined that the worst drivers in the area should be capable of driving 45mph on that road without posing a threat to themselves or others.

If you're afraid of exceeding the speed limit, it tells me that you're not confident that you have the reaction time or the physical skills necessary to manipulate your vehicle in the event that you have to take evasive action in an emergency scenario.

There are a handful of situations in which the speed limit should be strictly adhered to; active school zones, active construction zones, neighborhoods and residential roads, and parking lots.

In most other situations, capable drivers should feel very comfortable doing at least 7-10mph over the limit.