CUSTOMER CASE STUDY

Challenge: Safety systems that reacted instead of prevented

Before Motive, Western Express relied on traditional, OEM telematics and forward-facing cameras. These systems offered some visibility into events on the road, but they had limitations. There was no driver-facing view, no AI to accurately detect risky driving behavior, and no in-cab alerting system in place. These systems lacked real-time visibility. They were reactive, only triggering after something went wrong—a harsh turn, a hard brake, a catastrophic event.

“With the prior technology, you would have events captured, but it was after the fact,” said Daniel Patterson, Director of Safety at Western Express. “You don’t necessarily capture the behavior that led to that event in the first place.”

Risky behaviors, such as not wearing seat belts and distracted driving, exposed drivers to life-altering crashes like rollovers. Furthermore, unsafe roadside parking was leading to infrequent but catastrophic collisions, especially in high-risk areas like the Northeast, where truck parking is scarce.

“We had a ‘sitting duck’ problem,” Patterson said. “When something going 70 miles per hour hits a stopped truck, it’s a $250,000 claim at best—and someone’s life at worst.”

Solution: Partnering with Motive for proactive safety

Western Express turned to Motive not just for a product, but for a partner. Together, they rolled out Motive AI Dashcams to gain real-time visibility into driver behavior, alert drivers in real time, and dramatically reduce safety incidents.

They also partnered on a solution for Western Express’ “sitting duck” problem: Unsafe Parking. This new AI capability alerts the team when a driver parks in an unsafe location, triggering instant outreach and support. 

“We have implemented some automated processes to message and text that driver,” Patterson explained. “That messaging also goes to our managers so they can engage with that driver, make sure they get to a safe place.”

Patterson was impressed by how quickly Motive was able to develop an AI model to solve one of his most persistent challenges. “We came to Motive with a problem,” Patterson said. “We didn’t even know the solution existed. But the AI was smart enough—and flexible enough—to help us build exactly what we needed.”

From unsafe parking and distracted driving to fatigued driving and seat belt violations, Motive detects risky behavior in real time and immediately alerts drivers and managers, enabling coaching and check-ins that achieve lasting change without making drivers feel like they’re in trouble. 

“We’re not just telling someone they messed up,” Patterson explained. “We’re letting them know we care. That we’re watching out for them.”

Results: Fewer accidents. Faster help. Safer roads.

As of October 2025, Western Express has experienced significant, meaningful improvements in several key areas with Motive.

• 42% reduction in rollovers
  
• 65% drop in seat belt violations
  
• 25% decrease in unsafe driving infractions

Even more powerful than the impact stats are the stories, like the driver falsely blamed in a traffic accident until Motive footage exonerated him on the spot. “That video saved his record. Maybe even his career,” Patterson said.

Today, Western Express uses Motive’s AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform to coach early, intervene faster, and stay connected to drivers in real time. What used to take days now happens in moments, empowering the Western Express team to safeguard their drivers and business. 

“This isn’t just about claims or violations,” Patterson said. “It’s about getting people home safe. About showing we’re in their corner.”

* Results as of October 2025.

The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on this webpage reflect the real-life experiences of individuals and/or companies who have used our products and/or services. Individual results may vary and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The testimonials presented on this webpage were voluntarily provided and not paid.