A method for controlling a subject vehicle with a braking system, a drive system and a distance control system, wherein the distance control system is configured to control an actual following distance between the subject vehicle and a vehicle ahead to a predetermined target following distance, wherein the target following distance is predetermined as a function of an activated operating mode of the distance control system, including performing a plausibility check by checking whether V2X data is exchanged or can be exchanged between the vehicle ahead and the subject vehicle over a V2X connection, and activating, if no V2X data is exchanged or can be exchanged between the vehicle ahead and the subject vehicle over the V2X connection, a first operating mode in which a first target following distance is predetermined as a function of a reaction time of a driver of the subject vehicle.

Apparatus for a vehicle is provided such that the throttle pedal can act as a virtual footrest. The apparatus comprises a pedal adapted to be depressed by a driver and a restriction mechanism adapted to restrict the displacement of the pedal. The apparatus also comprises a visual sign which enters a first illuminated state in response to activation of the footrest mode. The visual sign remains in the first illuminated state whilst the restriction mechanism retains the pedal in the footrest position, and is extinguished when footrest mode or cruise control is cancelled. The visual sign enters a second illuminated state when the pedal is subjected to a force greater than a first threshold value, so as to push the pedal past through the footrest position whilst in the footrest mode.

Apparatus for a vehicle is provided such that the throttle pedal can act as a virtual footrest. The apparatus comprises a pedal adapted to be depressed by a driver and a restriction mechanism adapted to restrict the displacement of the pedal. The apparatus also comprises a visual sign which enters a first illuminated state in response to activation of the footrest mode. The visual sign remains in the first illuminated state whilst the restriction mechanism retains the pedal in the footrest position, and is extinguished when footrest mode or cruise control is cancelled. The visual sign enters a second illuminated state when the pedal is subjected to a force greater than a first threshold value, so as to push the pedal past through the footrest position whilst in the footrest mode.