What can watching the taillights of a car in front of you at night help you detect?

Watching the taillights of a car in front of you at night can be a valuable technique for detecting rough road conditions. When the vehicle's taillights brake or flicker, it can indicate that the driver is responding to an obstacle or irregularity in the road. For instance, if there is a pothole, a bump, or a slick patch, the driver may slow down or swerve, prompting a visual cue in the form of their brake lights.

This behavior allows you to anticipate potential dangers before you encounter them yourself, giving you the opportunity to adjust your speed or course to maintain safety. In low visibility conditions at night, this method becomes especially crucial, as it helps riders stay alert to changes in the roadway that may not be immediately visible.