Actively-illuminating optical sensing system for an automobile

An automotive occupant position restraint apparatus (22) senses a position of an occupant (10, 16) of a motor vehicle (14). An optical energy source (30) emits optical energy that is substantially limited to a first range of wavelengths that corresponds to an atmospheric absorption peak. An optical energy receiver (32) receives the optical energy emitted by the optical energy source after the optical energy has been reflected within a passenger compartment (42) of the motor vehicle. A range of wavelengths that the receiver is operable to receive is substantially limited to a second range of wavelengths that corresponds to the atmospheric absorption peak.