How can you determine if there are bumps in the road while riding at night?

Observing the other vehicle's taillights is a smart technique for assessing road conditions while riding at night. When riding, illuminated taillights from vehicles ahead can indicate changes in the road surface. For instance, if a vehicle’s taillights appear to dip down suddenly or reveal abrupt movements, it might suggest bumps or potholes in the road. This visual cue helps increase a rider's awareness of potential hazards before encountering them directly.

While listening for sounds might provide some auditory cues about the road conditions, it is not as reliable as visual signals, especially in the noise of a motorcycle. Feeling vibrations through the handlebars could indicate various road conditions but would not specifically highlight bumps unless they are severe enough to create significant vibrations. Checking the speedometer is important for maintaining a safe speed but does not provide information about the road's surface. Using the taillights of other vehicles as a reference combines visual awareness with proactive safety measures while riding at night.