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Scene of accident that killed cyclist Frank Van Campen - Source: ONE News -
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The widow of a man killed by an alleged drink driver is critical of a law that allows the accused to drive less than a month after the accident.
Frank van Kampen, 46, died after 70-year-old Alison Downer allegedly hit him while he was cycling along State Highway 1 between Otaki and Waikanae.
Downer failed a police breath test after the September 18 crash and her licence was immediately suspended for 28 days.
But under existing drink-driving laws she was free to drive again as no charges have yet been laid against her.
Van Kampen's widow Jude Pauwels said she was terrified for her family's safety now that Downer was free to drive.
Downer did not respond to calls but a family friend told the newspaper she had definitely not got her licence back yet, and had not been driving in the past month.
Police said their investigation of the crash continued but would not say when charges could be laid.
Serious Crash Unit Sergeant Stu Kearns said the 28-day suspension law was in place because there has to be a set time.
Police were not under pressure to press charges straight away, he said.
"We have to look at all the facts and expert reports, which can take some months. It's not a quick process," he said.
"At the end of the day that person could defend it and get off, and we can't keep them suspended for that long."
