System and method for controlling vehicle suspension components and vehicle occupant protection devices

A method for controlling an active suspension component of a vehicle and a vehicle occupant protection device of the vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a controller, said controller being operatively connected to at least one active suspension component of a vehicle and at least one vehicle occupant protection device of the vehicle;
• providing at least one sensor for sensing acceleration of the vehicle along at least one axis of the vehicle, said at least one sensor being operatively connected to said controller to provide a signal indicative of vehicle acceleration along the at least one axis to said controller, said controller performing the steps of:
• obtaining said signal from said means for sensing;
• determining whether a vehicle roll condition exists and actuating the at least one active suspension component in response to the roll condition;
• determining whether a vehicle pitch condition exists and actuating the at least one active suspension component in response to the pitch condition;
• determining whether a vehicle impact condition exists and actuating the at least one vehicle occupant protection device in response to the vehicle impact condition;
• and
• determining whether a vehicle rollover condition exists and actuating the at least one vehicle occupant protection device in response to the vehicle rollover condition.