Abstract: An impact protector for motor vehicles, comprising a bumper on at least one connecting part for connection to a chassis of the motor vehicle and an elastomeric impact strip along the bumper to dissipate impact energy in the event of a collision between the motor vehicle and an obstacle. The elastomeric impact strip includes an air hose, which can be filled with air, and a cover, the air hose being connected to an accumulator by a pressure line to form an air cushion. The air pressure in the air hose is controllable by means of a valve, which is connected by an electronic control line to a detection sensor system for detection of the magnitude of the impact to be cushioned immediately before the collision of the motor vehicle, in particular with pedestrians.