A method is provided for warning the driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a distance-related cruise control system of a potentially hazardous situation. The motor vehicle is kept at a standstill during the distance-related cruise control using a braking torque applied by the distance-related cruise control system. Leaving of the motor vehicle, or an intention of the driver to leave the motor vehicle, is recognized. When the leaving or the intention to leave of the driver is recognized, the applied braking torque is changed and/or modulated in such a manner that the motor vehicle experiences a movement perceptible by the driver.