A method for generating an alarm signal for a driver of a motor vehicle by an assistance system

While a motor vehicle 10 is stopped at a traffic light 24, on-board camera 16 detects a viewing direction 22 of its driver 20 and assistance system 12 detects a traffic light changing signal 26. Depending on the detected viewing direction (e.g. if the driver's gaze is diverted from the road or traffic light) and a predetermined time period before the light changes in the traffic light, an alarm signal is generated by an electronic computing device 14 of the assistance system. The traffic light changing signal may be transmitted to the assistance system by the traffic light or by a traffic guidance system. Alternatively, it may be detected by a front camera 30 of the assistance system, which may also detect a red-light countdown of the traffic light. The alarm signal may be haptic - e.g. vibration of the vehicle's steering wheel 32 or seat. A distracted driver may thus be warned that the traffic light is about to change to green.