System and method for reacting to an expected impact involving a vehicle
including an anticipatory sensor system for determining that an impact
involving the vehicle is about to occur prior to the impact and an impact
responsive system coupled to the sensor system and actuated after its
determination of the expected impact. The sensor system includes wave
receivers spaced apart from one another, each receiving waves generated
by, modified by, or reflected from a common object exterior of the
vehicle. The impact responsive system attempts to reduce the potential
harm resulting from the impact and can be a protection apparatus which
protects a vehicular occupant or a pedestrian, such as one including an
airbag and an inflator for inflating the airbag.