When riding in traffic at night, what is the best way to locate bumps in the road?

The best approach to locate bumps in the road while riding in traffic at night is to watch the taillights of the car ahead. This method allows you to gauge the road conditions based on the reactions of the vehicle in front of you. As the leading vehicle encounters bumps, its taillights will exhibit movement or changes in intensity that can signal potential obstacles or irregularities in the road surface. This is particularly useful in low-light conditions where visibility can be greatly diminished.

Using headlights to illuminate the road, while helpful for overall visibility, may not effectively highlight small bumps or irregularities, as the beam of light spreads out and may not focus on the road surface immediately in front of you. Maintaining a constant speed could help with control but does not help in identifying bumps ahead. Staying close to the curb can limit space for maneuvering and does not necessarily provide more information about road conditions. Hence, paying attention to the behaviors of the vehicle in front provides practical and actionable insight into what lies ahead.