The present disclosure describes a vehicle and a method for illuminating a region rearward of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a braking system for braking the vehicle, a reverse gear for starting to drive the vehicle (10) in reverse, and a sensor for detecting an engaged reverse gear. Furthermore, a brake activating device connected to the sensor is provided, wherein the brake activating device activates the braking system automatically once the sensor has detected an engaged reverse gear, and wherein when the braking system is activated, at least one brake light of the vehicle can be switched on by means of a light switch-on device.