At night, what is the best way to see objects clearly?

Viewing objects slightly off center is the best method for seeing them clearly at night due to the anatomy of the human eye. When low light conditions are present, the cones, which are responsible for color vision and high acuity, are less effective. The rod cells, which function better in dim lighting, are more concentrated towards the periphery of the retina. As a result, when you look slightly off to the side of an object, you engage the rod cells more, enhancing your ability to detect details and movement in low light.

In contrast, directly looking at a very dim light source can wash out your vision because of the limitations in the way your eyes process low light. Using a bright flashlight can also hinder your night vision by causing temporary blindness or reducing your eyes' ability to adjust to the darkness. Reducing speed can certainly increase safety while navigating in low visibility conditions, but it does not directly improve the clarity of your vision.