A system for triggering restraint devices is proposed, which is distinguished by the fact that it combines signals from a central control unit and from upfront sensors with each other. The signals of the upfront sensor are used for adjusting time-dependent thresholds that are used to trigger the restraint devices. Usually, velocity or velocity-like signals are used in this context. Velocity-like signals are ascertained by filtering, a low frequency filtering being provided in this case.