A method for controlling sensors or components of a vehicle, using a control device. Measurement data of at least one sensor of the vehicle being received and evaluated. A traffic situation, in which the vehicle finds itself, is ascertained by evaluating the measurement data; and the at least one sensor and/or at least one component of the vehicle being activated, deactivated and/or set to a standby mode as a function of the ascertained traffic situation. A control device and a computer program are also described.