NASHVILLE — After the deadly accident on Highway 55 in Cary, transportation engineers are taking a look at another dangerous area, the narrow bridge that spans Turkey Creek in Nash County. Last year three high school students died in a car accident on the bridge. Now as friends, family and teachers remember the loss, they're pushing for safer passage.

One year ago, four students from Southern Nash Senior High School were traveling on Highway 97. They were approaching a narrow bridge over Turkey Creek when something went terribly wrong.

Reagan Moss, Mandy Baker and Amanda Hamm died in the crash. A fourth student, Debra Baker survived. Classmates erected a monument in memory of Moss, Baker and Hamm last Friday. The narrow bridge is a constant and painful reminder of their loss.

The state plans to start widening the bridge in March.

Widening the bridge won't ease the pain, but students and faculty are hoping it will save lives and be a lasting tribute to Moss, Baker and Hamm.

The N.C. Department of Transportation anticipates completing construction by December 1998.

The number of deadly car crashes across the United States is decreasing. Last year 41,500 Americans died in car accidents. Speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of the wrecks. Also, men are three times more likely than women to be involved in a fatal accident.