A method for activating safety systems of a motor vehicle, the method including the steps of: monitoring signals from at least one vehicle sensor; analysing the signals from the at least one sensor to determine that the vehicle appears to be involved in a particular one of a plurality of pre-defined “run off the road” events: confirming the determination by analysing signals from at least one different vehicle sensor, performing a different analysis on the signals from the at least one sensor, or analysing signals from the at least one sensor over a predetermined period of time; where a detection is confirmed, estimating the severity of the event; and based on a confirmed determination that the vehicle is involved in a particular event, and the estimated severity of the event, selecting one or more vehicle safety systems to be activated to protect an occupant of the vehicle.