If it is so dark that your headlights are not able to illuminate the car ahead's reflectors and numberplate adequately for you to see them, even if it has defective lights, and react in time, then you are traveling too fast for the conditions.
The correct response to something weird or potentially hazardous ahead is to slow down and try to determine what is going on.
> then you are traveling too fast for the conditions
Oh, yes, absolutely. But you've already made the mistake and there's nothing to be done anymore. We can either make you and everyone around you pay for your mistakes, or try to make the whole environment as forgiving and as safe as possible. Just like in aviation, navy, software development, or most other industries.
The correct response to something weird or potentially hazardous ahead is to slow down and try to determine what is going on.