A method for triggering a restraining device in a motor vehicle is proposed, where a crash severity and an occupant categorization are implemented independently of each other. By linking the crash severity with the occupant categorization, the restraining device required for the vehicle occupants is triggered. The crash severity is subdivided in accordance with the triggering events frontal impact, side impact, rear impact or vehicle roll-over. A decisive advantage is that the crash severity is implemented independently of the occupant categorization.