The pressure-time history of a deployed airbag provides the basis for the restraint created by this safety system. A simple numerical simulation of this pressure time history was developed based on our understanding of the various factors that influence the restraint performance. The general interaction forces between the passenger and the airbag can be analyzed using this model. This article discusses some of the complex issues pertaining to the interaction forces between the occupant and the airbag. The predictions provided by the proposed numerical passenger restraint action model are in good agreement with published, experimental data.