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.