Heartbroken mother and girlfriend of crash victim in plea for end to carnage on A1

Q Radio News

The mother and girlfriend of a young County Down man killed in a crash earlier this year say they won't rest until the notorious road it happened on is upgraded.

27-year-old Newry GAA player Karl Heaney died following a collision on the A1 dual carriageway between Banbridge and Dromore in May.

His girlfriend Ciara Sands recently launched a petition urging the Department of Infrastructure to take urgent action.

After just two weeks, the initial target of 10,000 people was reached on Wednesday - including other families who've lost loved ones. 

Over the 10,000 mark this morning! Thank you. Keep signing and sharing the petition. The more signatures the better! #upgradetheA1 @irish_news @qnewsdesk Department of Infrastructure: Completion of A1 Road Improvements - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/goQUEdtgoa via @UKChange

— Ciara Sands (@NiSeachnasaigh) November 21, 2018

Devastated Ciara had been planning to move to England with Karl, who was due to start a teaching course in London.

Karl's mother Monica says if safety improvements proposed years ago had been implemented her son could still be alive.

The Facebook page is 'A1: How Many Must Die?' 

www.change.org and search for 'Completion of A1 Road Improvements' to sign the petition

Mum & girlfriend of County Down man killed in crash on A1 say they won't rest until the notorious road is upgraded. 10,000 people are backing their plea in a petition. They warn: “It will happen again, you could be next.” More on air at 8 & https://t.co/boX2EdCtC7 @niseachnasaigh pic.twitter.com/akkLlG8zLW

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 21, 2018

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: 

“Every road death is tragic and the Department extends sincere sympathies to the family. Proposals to further improve road safety for all road users on the A1 are currently being developed. The Department is aware of the online petition and is willing to engage with the family at any time to keep them updated with progress on the scheme.”