Abstract: The emergency reline system for an automobile is used in conjunction with an air bag system and a reclining seat system. The seat is pivotally movable by a motor upon application of a reclining motor control signal. The emergency recline system includes a sensor which detects unwanted deceleration and which generates a trigger signal. The trigger signal is delayed by a delay circuit for a predetermined period of time. The delayed trigger signal is then applied as the reclining motor control signal to the motor such that after the predetermined time, the delayed trigger signal reclines the seat. This relieves the pressure developed by the deployed air bag on the driver or the passenger in the seat. A method for reclining the seat includes sensing unwanted deceleration, generating a trigger signal, delaying the trigger signal for a predetermined time, and then applying that delayed trigger signal as the reclining motor control signal to the motor or motor control.