Method and device for protecting a vehicle passenger when an object impacts a vehicle

The method (1000) involves reading (1010) an impact signal representing a severity or intensity of the impact of the object on the vehicle, and releasing (1020) a frictional connection between the protection element and the vehicle occupant, when a value of the impact signal stands in a predetermined relationship to a threshold value. The threshold value is applied depending on size, weight and measurement of the body of the vehicle occupant. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a device for protecting a vehicle occupant during an impact of an object on the vehicle; and (2) a computer program has a program code.