In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor system for detecting an impending collision of a vehicle is provided. The sensor system comprises a primary radar arrangement providing the assessment of the severity of an impending impact and the time left before the impact. A separate confirmation detection arrangement including a confirmation sensor is for detecting within a proximity space adjacent to the vehicle to provide a confirmation output. In communication with the primary radar and confirmation detection arrangements is an electronic control module. The module is configured to produce a deployment signal for a safety device which is dependent upon evaluation of the primary radar and confirmation detection outputs.