a method and device for actuating an active and / or passive motor vehicle safety system in a driving situation in which the vehicle executes a rotary movement about the vertical axis of the vehicle . a variable describing the rotary motion is measured , and this variable is processed by a mathematical model , which determines information therefrom about the future rotary motion of the vehicle . this information in turn may be used to control the vehicle safety systems as a function of the situation and prepare them for a possibly imminent collision .