Why might a person feel upset during a traffic stop?

Feeling upset during a traffic stop can often stem from feelings of embarrassment related to one's actions. When a person is pulled over by law enforcement, it serves as a public reminder of their behavior while driving, which can trigger feelings of shame or embarrassment, especially if they know they may have broken the law (e.g., speeding, running a red light). This emotional response can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, frustration, or embarrassment, making it challenging for the individual to remain calm during the interaction.

In contrast, the notion of being innocent could lead to confusion rather than upset, as an innocent person might feel unfairly treated but may not necessarily experience strong emotions like embarrassment. Seeing the specific face of an officer, like "Urlaub's resting grumpy face," is irrelevant to the emotional state related to the traffic stop. Lastly, being unaware of traffic laws might lead to different feelings such as confusion or surprise but not necessarily embarrassment regarding one's actions behind the wheel. Thus, the feeling of embarrassment for one's wrongdoing becomes the most applicable reason for feeling upset during such encounters.