A process for the crash type detection and apparatus for carrying out the method

The invention provides a method for determining a crash type in a vehicle crash with retaining means (108a-108n) equipped vehicle, in which an acceleration signal (201) by means of an impact sensor (101) is detected, a detection signal (202) by means of a forward-looking sensor (102) is detected and the acceleration signal (201) with the detection signal (202) by means of a computing unit (105) is linked. Depending on the link a triggering decision signal (203) to a control unit (107) is output, wherein the retaining means (108a-108n) in response to the trigger decision signal (203) are actuated.