Several clearly separated data channels can be used for transmission in a restraint system, wherein a central control unit (ZS) and several data processing units (DV1, DV2) are connected to a bus line (BL), said data control units being provided to control the restraint devices (RH1, à, RHk). High-priority, urgent data is transmitted with a high signal level and at high bit rates. Low-priority, less urgent data is transmitted with a low signal level and at low bit rates. High-priority, less urgent data is transmitted with a high signal level and at lower bit rates while low-priority, urgent data is transmitted with a low signal level and at high bit rates.