Final answer:
A driver should never exceed the legally posted speed limit, which is designed to ensure road safety. The ideal speed is less than the speed limit and necessary for safely navigating curves without relying on tire-road friction. Slight speedometer inaccuracies might be tolerated, but consistent speeding can lead to traffic tickets and increased danger.
Step-by-step explanation:
A driver should never exceed the posted speed limit on any roadway. The speed limit is set to ensure the safety of all road users and typically represents the maximum safe speed in ideal conditions. Moreover, the concept of an ideal speed refers to the maximum safe speed at which a vehicle can maneuver a curve without relying solely on the friction between the tires and the road; this speed is often less than the speed limit on straight roads.
Concerning Peter's situation, even though most drivers were speeding at forty to forty-five mph, it is important to follow the speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour. Enforcers may allow a slight leeway due to speedometer inaccuracies, but consistently exceeding the speed limit increases the risk of receiving a traffic ticket.
For safety reasons and to prevent violations, a driver's speed should not exceed what is legally permitted, as indicated by road signs, local regulations, and conditions that might affect visibility or the vehicle's ability to stop or maneuver safely.