Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one safety-related component of a motor vehicle, in particular of a passenger car, as a function of vehicle movement dynamics of the motor vehicle which are detected by means of sensors, the actuation of the safety-related component being carried out as a function of at least one predefined and adaptable threshold value which characterizes vehicle movement dynamics which are critical for driving safety, in such a way that a risk of injury to a vehicle occupant and/or another party to a collision is reduced. According to the invention, the adaptation of the threshold value is coupled to the driver-end power request in such a way that the actuation of the safety-related component does not take place until vehicle movement dynamics which result from the current driver-end power request and are critical for safety are evaluated as a driving state which is brought about in a random and uncontrolled fashion.

Abstract: A control device for preventively actuating a vehicle safety device, comprises a decision stage which issues a triggering decision the vehicle safety device if travel behavior of the vehicle which is critical for safety is detected, based on dynamic translational movement parameters. In addition, a plausibility checking stage checks the triggering decisions, evaluates it as implausible (and prevents triggering of the vehicle savety device) if an evaluation of the time profile of parameters which are sensed in the vehicle, such steering angle, activation of pedals, yaw rate or lateral acceleration, reveals that the travel behavior which is critical for safety corresponds, within predefinable limits, to a desired travel behavior. A travel behavior which is brought about in a deliberate and controlled fashion is considered to be a desired travel behavior.