When a crash happens, the immediate moments following the impact can be chaotic and overwhelming. Dust, debris, and disorientation flood the senses, making quick, clear decision-making difficult. In these critical seconds, time is everything, whether it’s for summoning emergency services, collecting accurate data, or ensuring the safety of the driver.

What happens during a crash: The driver’s experience

In the moments following a crash, drivers often experience a whirlwind of sensations — shock, confusion, and disorientation. Dust fills the air, airbags may deploy, and communication devices can be lost or malfunction due to damage. For drivers, every second matters.

  • Devices may be damaged or lost, making it difficult to contact help.
  • In severe accidents, doors may jam, or the vehicle may be positioned in a way that prevents the driver from escaping.
  • Drivers may be injured or disoriented, and unable to take proper action.

In situations like these, timely and accurate data, along with the right fleet safety tools, can make all the difference. Motive immediately and accurately detects crashes, assesses the severity, and sends real-time data to fleet managers, empowering them to respond effectively and potentially save lives.

Motive’s crash detection and emergency response

Once a crash is detected by Motive’s system, an email is automatically sent to fleet managers with precise crash details, including location, vehicle identification, and the severity of the crash. This critical data allows fleets to jump into action without delay.

Motive’s First Responder feature

One of Motive’s most powerful features during severe crashes is the First Responder feature, which facilitates the rapid dispatch of emergency services. When a severe collision is detected, fleet and safety managers receive a notification with all necessary details about the crash. They can then initiate an emergency call directly from the Motive platform to the local emergency dispatcher nearest to the accident scene, bypassing the usual administrative wait times.

This feature ensures that emergency responders are informed quickly, reducing the time it takes for them to arrive on the scene. Key details such as the exact location, driver information, and vehicle identification are shared directly with emergency services to streamline the response process. This rapid response capability can lower the chances of severe injuries, reduce the risk of fatalities, and help minimize financial losses for fleets.

How the First Responder feature works:

  • Detection: Motive detects the crash, triggering an automatic text, app, and/or email alert to fleet and safety managers. In addition to the collision video and relevant telematics, Motive provides critical details such as time of impact, vehicle information, and the exact location.
  • Notification: Fleet managers can immediately call local emergency dispatch centers by calling the provided priority phone number. This direct line bypasses typical wait times, enabling faster response times.
  • Real-time data sharing: The dispatcher receives key details about the vehicle and crash location, allowing emergency teams to respond quickly and effectively. The dispatcher is given information such as driver name, vehicle make and model, VIN, license plate, and the exact latitude and longitude of the crash site.
  • Live updates: Managers can monitor the situation in real time through the Motive Fleet Dashboard, communicate with the driver (if possible), and access live camera footage to assess the scene.
  • Post-incident management: Detailed updates regarding the call and emergency response are logged in the Motive system. If a new emergency call is needed, managers can request a new 10-digit number for dispatch within six hours of the incident.

This streamlined process ensures that help is dispatched as soon as possible, even in life-threatening situations where every minute counts.

Crash management beyond emergency response

Beyond the immediate emergency response, Motive’s system facilitates the entire crash management process, providing fleets with tools that are crucial for mitigating exposure and managing claims.

Data collection and retention

When a crash occurs, documentation is key to protecting both the driver and the company from legal exposure. With Motive, fleet managers have access to the following data instantly:

  • Crash-specific data: Motive tracks the exact time of impact, vehicle speed, and braking behavior, all of which can help in understanding the crash dynamics and determining fault.
  • Location information: GPS data provides the precise location of the crash, allowing for quick dispatch of help and detailed post-accident reports.
  • Driver communication: Fleet managers can message drivers directly through the platform to check on their well-being and gather preliminary information about the crash.

Mitigating liability and exposure

In the immediate aftermath of a crash, gathering accurate, real-time data is essential for minimizing liability and mitigating exposure. Motive’s system allows fleet managers to quickly capture and store video footage from AI dash cams, which can be used as evidence to demonstrate driver behavior and prove fault (or lack thereof) in the event of a claim.

With the Motive AI Dashcam and AI Omnicam, fleet managers can access real-time video of the accident from multiple angles. This footage is invaluable to protecting drivers and the business from false claims or legal disputes. For example, footage from an incident might show that the driver was operating safely, helping to absolve the fleet of liability in a crash.

Immediate response reduces claims cost

The faster an accident can be addressed, the less the impact on the company’s bottom line. By providing real-time crash data, Motive enables fleet managers to quickly handle everything from emergency response to documentation. This can result in:

  • Faster repairs or replacement of damaged equipment.
  • Reduced legal exposure from prompt documentation and proper data retention.
  • Better outcomes for injured drivers as they can receive medical attention faster.

When crashes happen, every second counts. Not just for the safety of the driver but also for the fleet’s financial and legal exposure. Motive’s comprehensive suite of features, from crash detection to emergency response, provides fleet managers with the tools they need to respond effectively and mitigate risks.

By integrating real-time data, accurate crash detection, and immediate communication with emergency services, Motive helps fleets navigate the aftermath of accidents with confidence. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of a driver, protecting the fleet from legal exposure, or reducing the time it takes to manage a claim, Motive’s system is built to respond in moments that truly matter.

For fleets seeking to enhance their safety protocols and reduce risk, Motive’s telematics and safety features offer a comprehensive solution to handle crashes and the fallout that follows.