The present invention provides a method and a device for controlling and evaluating at least one sensor device jointly used by a plurality of applications, in particular occupant-assistance/occupant-protection applications in an apparatus of locomotion, having the following steps: the measuring of certain locomotion apparatus parameters by a situation-detection device for determining the situation of the apparatus of locomotion with respect to its surroundings; the querying of the locomotion apparatus situation by a control device connected to the situation-detection device; and the activation of an application corresponding to the locomotion apparatus situation, by the control device.