A method for activating a safety actuator of a motor vehicle, including: ascertaining an endangerment model of the motor vehicle with the aid of an anticipatory sensor system and at least one characteristic value of a driving operation of the motor vehicle; ascertaining a controllability of the motor vehicle by a driver of the motor vehicle with the aid of the at least one characteristic value; and activating the safety actuator to an extent which is a function of the endangerment model and the controllability.