A system and method assists a driver of a motor vehicle. Driver operation, vehicle motion and vehicle environment are detected. The detected driver operation, vehicle motion and vehicle environment are evaluated. Based on the evaluation, the driver is prompted to effecting a change in driver operation by applying at least one of braking torque to the motor vehicle and additional reaction force at the accelerator. The change in driver operation is in such a direction as to restrain an increase in degree with which the obstacle is coming close to the motor vehicle.