Safety device for lateral protection of at least head and thorax region of a vehicle occupant

The device has a housing (4) with an airbag (3), which is inflated by a gas generator to extend to the side of the passenger (2) and parallel to the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle. The housing is integrated in or on, a vehicle body part (5) extending along the side of a seat (1), and at least protects head and thorax and/or seat/ thigh areas of a passenger/driver. The housing consists of two connected sections (8,9), which enclose an angle of between 110[deg] and 160[deg]. The housing may be integrated in parts of a side struts (6) and/or parts of a roof strut.