A device and a method are described for improving the protection of passengers in a vehicle, particularly in a motor vehicle, by reducing a force input, which is caused during a collision of the vehicle, physiologically acting on a passengers seated on a vehicle seat, using a vehicle seat positioned movably in relation to the vehicle, which may be displaced from a rest position in movement in relation to the vehicle by at least one activatable actuator, as well as an analysis and control unit, which activates the actuator for targeted vehicle seat movement as a function of sensor signals, which originate from sensors attached to the vehicle, and of predefinable reference values. The present invention is distinguished in that the at least one activatable actuator has an intelligent structure, which undergoes a shape change initiating the vehicle seat movement through activation on the basis of at least one conversion material.