Premier Peter Malinauskas had high praise for Ben Hyde’s doco While I was Sleeping

Premier Peter Malinauskas attended the premiere of Advertiser journalist Ben Hyde’s ‘While I was Sleeping’ documentary and had high praise for the doco.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says the story of Ben Hyde’s life-changing crash contains an important message of caring for others by driving safely.

Speaking at the premiere of While I was Sleeping, Mr Malinauskas said road trauma happens in an instant but its consequences are long-lasting.

“You can turn someone’s life upside down in the most harsh and unpredictable of ways in the most innocent of moments and it’s jarring and exceptionally confronting,” he said.

He said the documentary was “exceptionally moving and powerful” – and the more people who see it, the better.

Premier Malinauskas speaking at the premiere of While I Was Sleeping. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“At the very least, it might remind us firstly, how extraordinarily lucky we are to be surrounded by good people who care for others – whether in uniform or not,” he said.

The documentary profiles those who were first on scene after the crash including Ex Army Corporal Sean Davies, who risked his own safety to pull Ben from his burning car.

Mr Malinauskas added that it was a privilege to live in a place that puts a high value on life.

“Every time we get behind the wheel of a car, we assume a responsibility that is consistent with the privilege of living in a state like this one,” he said.

“It means we’ve got to care about others around us when we’re on the road, and the more people who watch this, the more people who will be reminded of it.”

He said most people would know someone that’s been affected by road trauma and shared his own personal experience.

“One of my best mates, he lost his life as we were travelling to Sydney to go to the Sydney Olympics when we were 19-20 years old,” he said.

“I was almost going to be in the car going over but through circumstance I wasn’t. And he lost his life on that journey.

“I can’t think of anyone more beautiful or more innocent that had to endure that circumstance and family that have to endure the tragedy that followed. It’s lasting, it’s impactful.”

News Corp Australasia chairman Michael Miller, who also spoke at the launch, congratulated Ben on While I Was Sleeping.

“Ben, what you’ve shared is raw. It’s honest,” he said.

“You’ve done so with a degree of humility ... the smiles you showed optimism, positivity – and that is a message that’s important to share as well.

“Journalists never want to be the story and to put yourself forward ... is really brave and the topic you’ve put forward is one that will have the impact that The Advertiser would like it to have but also, no doubt, you’d like it to have as well.”

Mr Miller said the Arrive Alive campaign reflected the commitment of The Advertiser to South Australians.

He thanked all frontline workers – not just those involved in Ben’s journey.

“Thank you and we applaud and support the great work that you always do,” he said.