In a control system for a dual-stage airbag firing system, a series circuit of first and second switching elements and a series circuit of third and fourth switching elements are connected in parallel between high and low voltage power lines, the circuit node between the switching elements of each series circuit being connected to a corresponding one of a pair of output terminals. When an impact is received, the first and fourth switching elements are exclusively activated to generate a forward voltage across the output terminals, causing a forward current to flow in the firing system so that its first stage is exclusively fired. Subsequently, the third and second switching elements are exclusively activated to generate a reverse voltage across the output terminals in a direction opposite to the forward voltage, causing a reverse current to flow in the firing system so that its second stage is fired.