A rollover detection system or apparatus 10 deployed on a vehicle 30. Apparatus 10 includes a controller 12 having a memory unit 14 and operating under stored program control. Controller 12 is electrically, physically, and communicatively coupled to sensors 16, 18, 20, and to vehicle occupant safety devices or assemblies 22, 24 by use of a communications bus or path 26. Controller 12 receives signals generated by sensors 16-20, processes and utilizes the received signals to determine when a vehicle rollover situation is imminent or relatively certain to occur, and selectively activates safety devices 22, 24, if such a determination is made.