According to the latest data, the U.S. oil and gas extraction industry recorded 78 worker fatalities in 2023— a stark reminder that even as technology evolves, this sector remains one of the most dangerous. With a fatality rate seven times higher than the national average, and hundreds of severe injuries each year, risk is constant for rig crews, drivers, and roughnecks operating in some of the most remote conditions in the world.
When incidents happen, many companies don’t just lack answers — they lack knowledge that anything occurred at all.
The case for real-time safety in fleet operations
Whether it’s a tank truck hauling crude or a lone worker inspecting pipelines in 100-degree heat, safety for oil and gas fleets isn’t optional — it’s fundamental.
Many operations take place in areas with limited cell reception and delayed access to emergency services. Drivers and field technicians face long shifts, harsh environments, and high-risk conditions — all of which increase their exposure to safety incidents.
Without real-time visibility and rapid intervention, even minor missteps can have major consequences. And fleets are feeling the pressure. Across the sector, AI adoption is accelerating, with more than 90% of oil and gas companies investing in AI or planning to.
Motive’s own Physical Economy Outlook confirms this momentum.
- 73% of oil and gas leaders say roads are safer with AI-powered cameras
- 64% say AI is critical for coaching and improving safety
- 80% believe an end-to-end platform would make their jobs easier
Yet most companies still rely on fragmented systems that fail to connect field, fleet, and safety data. Without a unified view, they can’t act quickly — or with confidence. Motive’s integrated platform changes that, giving operators the complete visibility they need to protect their teams and run safer, smarter operations.
From reaction to prevention: AI gives safety leaders real-time control
Transportation incidents account for more than half of workplace fatalities in oil and gas. In places like the Permian Basin, where traffic is dense and road conditions harsh, AI makes a measurable difference.
Tools like the Motive AI Dashcam detect and alert drivers to unsafe behaviors in real time, helping prevent collisions before they happen. From distracted driving to speeding, AI-powered cameras add a crucial layer of protection for workers on the road. And in an industry where cell phone use can be a common occurrence, workers need all the protection they can get.
For managers, AI-powered tools offer something just as valuable — instant insights, faster decision-making, and the ability to act before a small issue becomes a serious one.
Motive helps oil and gas operators act faster — and stay safer
In high-risk environments, timing and accuracy aren’t nice to have. They’re non-negotiable. Motive’s AI platform is built to deliver both.
Motive detects 99% of severe collisions within seconds. Footage uploads instantly. Alerts reach safety teams, dispatchers, and emergency responders without delay. And unlike other systems, every incident is reviewed by Motive’s 400-person safety team, eliminating false positives so managers can focus on what matters.
But it’s not just about speed — it’s about accuracy. Motive’s AI detection is among the most accurate in the industry. Our AI Dashcam alerts to unsafe driving 3-4x more successfully than the competition, giving oil and gas teams the best protection in the field.
Drivers receive personalized coaching tied to their behavior. High-performers are recognized for a job well done. And safety leaders can prioritize what really matters using real-world data, not assumptions.
On remote worksites, Motive’s AI Omnicam delivers 360° visibility where it’s needed most. It helps confirm compliance, uncover root causes, and identify where additional training is needed. In high-risk environments with limited oversight, this level of visibility is a game changer.
After adopting Motive, customers have seen:
- An 80% reduction in accidents in the first year
- A 30% drop in accident-related costs
- 21% lower insurance premiums
- 91% of customers reducing at-fault incidents
- 31% less time spent reviewing video and managing coaching
Doug Barnette, VP of Health, Safety, and Environment at KLX, has seen the transformation firsthand:
The future of safety is already here
The oil and gas industry is evolving — and safety has to evolve with it. AI isn’t some future promise. It’s already helping leading operators reduce risk, protect workers, and drive better outcomes in the most demanding conditions.
In a field where operations never stop, and the stakes are always high, real-time control isn’t just a competitive advantage. It’s a necessity.
Join the energy leaders redefining what safety looks like. On the road, on the rig, and every mile in between.
