A method for assisting overtaking includes determining a first speed of a first vehicle, determining a first distance to a second vehicle in front of the first and a second speed of the second vehicle by a sensor in the first vehicle, determining a second distance to a third vehicle behind the first and a third speed of the third vehicle by a sensor in the first vehicle, determining a first speed change associated with a first driving operation allowing the first vehicle to keep a first safety distance to the second while the third vehicle overtakes the first, determining a second speed change associated with a second driving operation allowing the first vehicle to keep a second safety distance to the third while the first vehicle overtakes the second, comparing the first and second speed changes and performing the driving operation associated with the most favourable speed change.