Abstract: The crash detection system employs a plurality of electronic acceleration sensors distributed at different locations of a vehicle body. The plurality of electronic acceleration sensors measures changes in acceleration of the vehicle body at different locations and therefore the rate of deformation of the vehicle body. The signals from the plurality of electronic acceleration sensors are filtered, amplified, and passed to an evaluation unit, which reads and compares the signals. Based on the rate of deformation of the vehicle body, the evaluation unit then makes a determination of the severity of the vehicle crash and communicates this information to a passenger safety system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel, in particular for use in motor vehicles. The steering wheel comprises a steering wheel plane, an airbag module, a support plate and a spring plate connected to the support plate via an electrically insulating element. The steering wheel further comprises an insulating support fixed to the steering wheel, and restoring springs for replacing the airbag module in an initial position after displacement for actuation of a horn contact. The airbag module, for actuation of the horn contact, is constructed so as to be displaceable approximately perpendicularly to the steering wheel plane against the restoring springs by at least a contact gap.