On the recordSeptember 22, 2020
I rise to pay tribute to an extraordinary constituent, Dr. Rolf H. Eppinger, who passed away on August 14, 2020. Dr. Eppinger's outstanding work has saved the lives of many Americans and will save many more in the years to come. Dr. Eppinger had a distinguished 34-year career with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA. There, he performed and led fundamental biomechanics research that resulted in the development of crash test dummies, the interpretation of their measurements, the advancement of the prevention of crash injuries, and the reduction of the severity of crash injuries. His work has helped save hundreds of thousands of lives and many more injuries worldwide. NHTSA has estimated that in the United States, as of 2017, more than 50,000 lives have been saved by airbags, 374,000 by safety belts, and 11,000 by child restraints. Many times more serious injuries were prevented or ameliorated. The work of Dr. Eppinger and his team formed the basis for the New Car Assessment Programs now in use worldwide. Over the course of his career, Dr. Eppinger published more than 120 technical papers dealing with automotive safety and was the holder of two U.S. patents. In addition, he enjoyed sailboat racing and was an accomplished watercolorist, pen and ink artist, woodworker, boat builder, and general handyman. Dr. Eppinger is remembered for his rigorous scientific medical and engineering research, integrity, decency, and humility.…
