A protecting device is provided for pedestrians that accounts for various conditions of the collision (physical constitution of the pedestrian, the position of collision, the speed of the motor vehicle at the time of collision, etc.). In one form, a first airbag unit for inflating a first airbag to cover a portion of the cowl top upon collision with the pedestrian is provided at the rear part of the bonnet/hood, or in the cowl top. Second airbag units having second airbags for covering A-pillars are provided within the respective A-pillars. When collision with a pedestrian is detected, the first airbag is inflated so as to cover the portion in the vicinity of the cowl top. The second airbags inflate 5 to 30 mSec behind the ignition of a gas generator of the first airbag unit, and cover the A-pillars substantially entirely.