The invention relates to a lock, in particular for a door or opening element of a motor vehicle, said lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch, a pawl for locking the rotary latch in a detent position, preferably a blocking lever for blocking the pawl in the detent position and a release lever for opening the locking mechanism, in particular by moving the blocking lever out of the blocking position. The lock is characterised in that a safety catch device of the lock, said device comprising in particular more than one catch position, is designed to prevent the opening of the locking mechanism during excessive acceleration, in particular during excessively violent acceleration of the release lever and/or handle of a door or opening element. An unplanned opening of the lock in the event of a crash can thus be avoided.