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Kristy King - Source: ONE News -
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The family of one of three cyclists killed near Morrinsville has called for a change to the road rules following today's conviction of the woman who collided with them.
Kristy King, the 23-year-old driver of the car that hit the cyclist, was convicted of three counts of careless driving causing death, after the November 14 accident.
Two male cyclists, Mark Andrew Ferguson, 46, and Wilhelm Muller, 71, died at the scene, while Kay Heather Wolfe, 45, died in Waikato Hospital.
A fourth cyclist suffered minor injuries while King was also taken to hospital.
Wolfe's widower, Roger, called for car drivers to be more wary of their surroundings on the road, and for the slogan not to overtake cyclists unless there is one and a half metres of space to become road law.
"I don't care whether it's a cyclist, or a girl on a horse, or a pedestrian. The message is that if you're in a car you're responsible," said Roger.
However, he has also expressed sympathy for King, saying last week she was a "victim too", and appealing for better training for young drivers.
In a statement read by her lawyer today, King expressed her remorse to the victim's families and said she does not believe she will get behind the wheel again.
"I have still not come to terms with what happened on that day, and am very sorry for all the pain and suffering I have caused. I don't think I'll ever drive again," the statement read.
In a hand-written letter she said she took full responsibility and would like to meet with the families.
Today Roger said the letter was touching and you could tell that she meant it. He said he would like to meet King before Christmas.
"You could see she meant it. You can see what sort of mess she's in," he said.
"It's just a really sad situation. One little mistake with a motor vehicle and this is what happens."
The possibility of a restorative justice conference will be considered ahead of sentencing, and Wolfe said his family was open to the idea.
"I don't hate her. I'm disappointed in the accident that has happened. I've known Kay since I was 18 and she would have hated to die like this," Wolfe said.
Roger's son, who was cycling metres behind his mum when the accident occurred, said he also feels for King.
"One of my first reactions was wow, I could've done that myself," he said.
King, supported by family members, was tearful as she left the police station next to the court following her appearance.
She is due to be sentenced in February.