VEHICLE WAS EXITING INTERSTATE 81, TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THOUGH BRAKING, THE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING PROPERLY AND THE STEERING WAS VERY HARD, POWER SEEMINGLY LOST. THE CAR COULD NOT BE STEERED AROUND THE LEFT HAND CURVE AND HIT A BRIDGE ABUTMENT AND SPUN AROUND BEFORE COMING TO REST WITH THE MOTOR NOT RUNNING. THIS APPARENT MECHANICAL FAILURE WAS NOTED IN THE POLICE REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT. *TR