A MAN whose wife died in a car crash will be one of the first to visit a new memorial to accident victims.

Amanda Dean, 34, had her life cut tragically short three years ago. Her husband Alan, who was driving, is still trying to rebuild his life.

This weekend a memorial to people injured and killed on Lancashire's roads is to be officially unveiled in Preston.

Alan, of Lytham Road, Fulwood, said: "It's a worthy tribute."

In December 2000 he and his wife were travelling home from a shopping trip in Skipton market, when they were involved in a collision with a taxi on East Lancashire's Whalley bypass, a road known locally as coroner's corner.

The couple were in Amanda's white Mazda sports car when a bolt from the convertible roof shot into her head, killing her instantly.

Soon afterwards the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety was established with the aim of cutting the terrifying trend.

Since then 75 deaths on the county's roads were recorded in 2001 -- a figure down to 66 last year.

Now the organisation has teamed up with national charity RoadPeace for the memorial.

Alan, 49, a technician, said: "You have to cope with it. You just carry on with life, with the best that is left.

"There was something about that day. It will live with me forever.

"We had a lovely weekend. On Sunday morning we drove down to Skipton Market, she had always wanted to go. We had a lovely day doing our Christmas shopping."

On the way home Amanda had just put on the pair's favourite CD. "She died listening to her favourite CD. Before the impact I said to her, will you put a CD on because I love you and it reminds me of you.

"She died happy and it was quick as well. She didn't feel anything -- it was like a bullet to the side of the head."

The new memorial is being unveiled at County Hall, Preston, on Sunday, March 23, during a special dedication service.

To contact RoadPeace call 0208 964 1021, between 9am and 9pm.