Automatic headlights have been available on some models since the late ‘70’s. However it’s only been relatively recently that the computer and sensor technology has become sophisticated enough to be something a smart driver would rely on.
That said, I still would not put my complete faith in the tech and would still decide for myself how to adjust the lights based on conditions much of the time.
For the curious:
Headlight intensity is regulated country by country. Here’s some numbers to give perspective.
If Japan is 100, Germany is 50, The US would be around 20.
BMW now offers incredibly effective laser headlights on some of their models. They are not installed on models destined for the United States as they exceed the US mandated maximum output. Sad.
I’ve been tempted more than once to fit my Honda and two Acuras with HID headlight systems taken from salvaged Japanese market cars.
The significantly increased output would make for a safer driving experience for me but the dilemma reappears:
At night my cars would stick out like a sore thumb to law enforcement.