Which cognitive change is a risk factor for increased crash risk while driving in older adults?

The decline in controlled processing skills is significant in contributing to increased crash risk among older adults. Controlled processing refers to the cognitive processes that require effort and conscious attention to manage tasks. As individuals age, these skills may deteriorate, making it harder to respond to unexpected situations on the road or to multitask effectively while driving.

For example, when driving, an older adult may struggle with switching their attention quickly between various stimuli, such as traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This decline can lead to slower reaction times and a decreased ability to interpret and respond to complex driving environments, which ultimately increases the likelihood of accidents.

The other options present scenarios that either do not directly correlate with increased crash risk or suggest improvements in cognitive abilities that would not typically contribute to safety concerns on the road. A decline in problem-solving skills may hinder driving ability but does not necessarily represent the same immediate impact on response times as controlled processing. An increased attention span could potentially enhance driving skills, while improved spatial awareness would likely contribute positively to driving performance. Thus, the decline in controlled processing skills stands out as a key risk factor for older adults behind the wheel.