I’m OK ‐ you’re not OK

Abstract

The study examined drivers’ perceptions of police officers enforcing traffic laws as well as emotions stimulated during apprehension. The subjects, 693 males in the army, completed a questionnaire measuring perceived attributes of police officers, drivers’ evaluation of police officers’ conduct, emotions aroused during apprehension for a traffic offense, perceived importance of police enforcement of traffic laws, and the perceived deterring effect of the police. The results show that drivers attribute disagreeable traits to police officers, perceive the latter’s conduct unfavorably, and experience a high level of stress during apprehension. Young drivers perceive police officers more negatively than do older drivers and experience more anger and less shame and guilt during apprehension. Belief in the importance of police in enforcing traffic laws is predicted by a driver’s evaluation of police officers’ conduct and the perception of police officers’ traits. The deterring effect of the police force is predicted by emotions of stress experienced during apprehension, as well as by attitudes toward police officers. Results are discussed in relation to the effect of self‐serving biases on drivers’ perception of police officers.