Safety Events

Safety events help fleets identify unsafe driving behaviors and review what happened so they can take appropriate action. Motive detects safety events using supported AI Dashcams and vehicle telematics.

The event information available to you depends on the behavior, vehicle hardware, and enabled settings. An event may include video, images, telemetry, or a combination of these. Some behaviors also support in-cab audio and visual alerts, while others do not.

Overview

Safety managers can review generated events in the Fleet Dashboard and use the available coaching workflows to follow up with drivers. Depending on the behavior and configuration, teams can:

• Review safety events from Safety > Events.

• Filter events by behavior, severity, driver, vehicle, date, and other available fields. 

• Open Quick View or full Event Details to review event media, driver and vehicle information, telemetry, location, notes, and coaching status. 

• Request additional footage when more context is needed and the feature is supported. Configure event capture and in-cab alerts separately. 

• Apply safety settings at the organization, group, or vehicle level when Group Level Safety Settings are available. Use automatic coaching for eligible events when automated coaching is enabled.

For more information, see Safety Events on the Fleet Dashboard, Automatically Identified Coachable Safety Events, and What is Event Severity?.

How Safety Events and In-Cab Alerts Work 

Event generation 

A safety event is created when Motive detects a supported behavior using the vehicle's configured dashcam and/or telematics data. The event appears in Safety > Events when the relevant event-capture setting is enabled and the behavior meets its configured or fixed trigger conditions. Event media is behavior-dependent — some events include video, some include images, and some telematics events do not include event video.

In-cab alerts

An in-cab alert is an audio or visual notification that can play for the driver when the relevant alert setting is enabled and the behavior supports in-cab alerts. Event capture and in-cab alerts are separate settings. An event can be captured without an in-cab alert, and for some features an in-cab alert can be enabled without creating an event in the Fleet Dashboard. In-cab audio alerts require a compatible Motive Smart Dashcam or AI Dashcam assigned to the vehicle; a Vehicle Gateway without a compatible dashcam cannot play real-time in-cab audio alerts.

Configuration note

Configuration options vary by behavior. Some behaviors support preset or advanced threshold controls; others use fixed thresholds or don't support customer configuration. Changes to event-capture settings can affect the Motive Safety Score. Changes to in-cab alert settings do not.

Note: See Configurable options in Unsafe Behavior Detection Safety Settings and Customize Safety Event/In-cab Thresholds for Unsafe Behavior Detection.

Behavior Catalog

Device references in this article use the following names:

• DC-33: Road-facing Smart Dashcam
• DC-34: Dual-facing Smart Dashcam
• DC-53: Road-facing AI Dashcam
• DC-54: Dual-facing AI Dashcam
• DC-63: Road-facing AI Dashcam Plus
• DC-64: Dual-facing AI Dashcam Plus

Thresholds shown below are default or documented trigger conditions. Some configurable behaviors can be made more or less sensitive in Fleet Dashboard settings.

Safety Event triggers definition

The following section shows different parameters that generate a safety event and the parameters that generate an in-cab alert for the driver.

Note: Check out this help center article and webinar to see how you can tailor them to your specific safety needs.

Safety Event triggers

Smoking AI

• What is it detecting? The driver is observed holding or smoking a cigarette while driving. Vapes are not included in the current detection definition.
• Event generation trigger definition: The driver is observed holding or smoking a cigarette for at least 5 seconds while the vehicle is traveling at 5 mph or above.
• In-cab alert definition: The driver is observed holding or smoking a cigarette for at least 5 seconds while the vehicle is traveling at 5 mph or above..
• Supported dashcam models: DC-54 with driver-facing lens and DC-64
• Additional information: Smoking detection uses fixed thresholds and is not configurable in the Fleet Dashboard. Smoking events are high severity.

Forward Parking

• What is it detecting? Instances where a driver parks nose-in and subsequently reverses out of a parking space.
• Event generation trigger definition: The system watches for a vehicle going from “Engine Off” to “Engine On” marking the start of a new trip. When a vehicle moves from “Park” to “Reverse” gear → backs up → then engages ‘Forward’ gear → and moves forward.
• In-cab alert definition: N/A
• Supported dashcam models: DC-33, DC-34, DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64.
• Additional information: Forward Parking is off by default and must be enabled manually. The detection threshold is not customer-configurable. Severity is based on the maximum reverse speed: Low (less than 2 mph), Medium (2–5 mph), High (more than 5 mph). See AI-Powered Safety: Forward Parking.

Close following

• What is it detecting? The driver is tailgating another vehicle with an unsafe following distance.
• Event generation trigger definition: A following distance of 0.7 seconds is maintained for at least 15 seconds when traveling above 35 mph.
• In-cab alert definition: A following distance of 0.7 seconds is maintained for at least 15 seconds while traveling above 35 mph.
• Supported dashcam models: DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64.

Unsafe lane change

• What is it detecting? The driver is following a vehicle too closely before or after making a lane change.
• Event generation trigger definition: A following distance of 0.5 seconds or less is maintained for at least 5 seconds when traveling above 35 mph while changing lanes.
• In-cab alert definition: A following distance of 0.5 seconds or less is maintained for at least 5 seconds when traveling above 35 mph while changing lanes.
• Supported dashcam models: DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64.

Mobile device usage

• What is it detecting? The driver is using, holding, or looking down at a mobile device while driving. The device is not in a holder
• Event generation trigger definition: The driver uses a mobile device for at least 5 seconds while traveling at 25 mph or above.
• In-cab alert definition: The driver uses a mobile device for at least 5 seconds while traveling at 25 mph or above.
• Supported dashcam models: DC-54 and DC-64.

Seatbelt violation

• What is it detecting? The driver's seatbelt is unbuckled or is not worn properly over the shoulder.
• Event generation trigger definition: The seatbelt is unbuckled for at least 5 seconds while traveling at 25 mph or above.
• In-cab alert definition: The seatbelt is unbuckled for at least 5 seconds while traveling at 25 mph or above.
• Supported dashcam models: DC-54 and DC-64
• Additional information: Seatbelt events provide images rather than event video. Event limit: For general availability, the documented limit is a maximum of two events per day per vehicle, with a 10-minute backoff delay between events.

Driver distraction

• What is it detecting? The driver is looking down because of food, a drink, drowsiness, or another distraction. Mobile-device usage is handled as a separate behavior.
• Event generation trigger definition: The driver looks down for at least 5 seconds while traveling at 25 mph or above
• In-cab alert definition: The driver looks down for at least 5 seconds while traveling at 25 mph or above
• Supported dashcam models: DC-54 and DC-64.

Stop sign violation

• What it detects: The vehicle makes a rolling stop or does not decelerate safely to complete a full stop at a stop sign. A full stop is three seconds at 0 mph. 
• Event generation trigger definition: When approaching a stop sign, an event is triggered if the vehicle speed does not fall below 6 mph within 7 seconds after the stop sign is no longer visible to the camera.
• In-cab alert definition: When approaching a stop sign, an event is triggered if the vehicle speed does not fall below 6 mph within 7 seconds after the stop sign is no longer visible to the camera. 
• Supported dashcams: DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64.

Hard braking

• What it detects: A sudden change in the vehicle's direction or speed caused by applying more force than normal to the brake. 
• Event generation trigger definition: Threshold varies by vehicle class 
  • Light: 9.65–12.28 mph/s (0.44–0.56G) 
  • Medium: 8.34–10.97 mph/s (0.38–0.50G) 
  • Heavy: 7.46–10.09 mph/s (0.34–0.46G)
• In-cab alert definition: Threshold varies by vehicle class
  • Light: 9.65–12.28 mph/s (0.44–0.56G) 
  • Medium: 8.34–10.97 mph/s (0.38–0.50G) 
  • Heavy: 7.46–10.09 mph/s (0.34–0.46G). 
• Supported dashcams: DC-33, DC-34, DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64.

Hard acceleration

• What it detects: An abrupt shift in the vehicle's direction or speed caused by applying excessive force during acceleration. 
• Event generation trigger definition: Threshold varies by vehicle class 
  •  Light duty: 9.65–12.28 mph/s (0.44–0.56G)
  • Medium duty: 8.99–11.63 mph/s (0.41–0.53G)
  • Heavy duty: 8.34–10.97 mph/s (0.38–0.50G). 
• In-cab alert definition: Threshold varies by vehicle class
  • Light duty: 9.65–12.28 mph/s (0.44–0.56G)
  • Medium duty: 8.99–11.63 mph/s (0.41–0.53G)
  • Heavy duty: 8.34–10.97 mph/s (0.38–0.50G). 
• Supported dashcams: DC-33, DC-34, DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64.

Hard cornering

• What it detects: The driver makes a sharp turn with excessive force. 
• Event generation trigger definition: Threshold varies by vehicle class 
  • Light duty: 0.44–0.56G
  • Medium duty: 0.42–0.54G
  • Heavy duty: 0.40–0.52G. 
• In-cab alert definition: Threshold varies by vehicle class
  • Light duty: 0.44–0.56G
  • Medium duty: 0.42–0.54G
  • Heavy duty: 0.40–0.52G. 
• Supported dashcams: DC-33, DC-34, DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64.

Collision & Near Collision

• What is it detecting? 
  • Collision: The vehicle collides with another moving or stationary vehicle, object, person, or animal.
  • Near Collision: a close call with a clear potential for harm.
• Event generation trigger definition: Motive detects collisions and near collision events using:
  • Telematics detection: Motive analyzes key telematic signals to pinpoint potential crashes, such as the rate of acceleration or deceleration, and the direction and speed of rotation. This analysis also includes vehicle telematics signals, including airbag deployment, yaw control, rollover protection, or crash notification.
  • Computer vision detection: Motive also uses computer vision to detect collisions involving other vehicles within the camera’s field of view.
• In-cab alert definition: N/A
• Supported dashcam models: DC-33, DC-34, DC-53, DC-54, DC-63 and DC-64 
• Computer vision detection: DC-53 and DC-54

Speeding over posted

• What is it detecting? The vehicle is traveling above the posted speed limit for a specified duration. 
• Event generation trigger definition: The vehicle travels 6 mph over the posted speed limit for more than 1 minute.
• In-cab alert definition: The vehicle travels 6 mph over the posted speed limit for more than 1 minute.
• Supported dashcam models: DC-33, DC-34, DC-53, DC-54, DC-63 and DC-64
• Additional information: Speeding Over Posted is a telematics event and does not support event video. During a continuous violation, alerts repeat every 5 minutes. After an event is created, the system waits 5 minutes before tracking a new event. The maximum allowed violation duration is 15 minutes.

Drowsiness

• What is it detecting? A driver exhibits early signs of fatigue, such as excessive yawning and distraction within a 2-minute period.
• Event generation trigger definition
  • The driver yawns 2 times within a 2-minute period while traveling 5 mph or above
  • The driver records a distraction event (head looking down for 5 seconds) and then 1 yawn within 2 minutes while traveling 5 mph or above
• In-cab alert definition
  • The driver yawns 2 times within a 2-minute period while traveling 5 mph or above
  • The driver records a distraction event (head looking down for 5 seconds) and then 1 yawn within 2 minutes while traveling 5 mph or above
• Supported dashcam models: DC-54 and DC-64

Driver Facing Obstruction

• What is it detecting? The driver-facing camera is partially or fully obstructed, including when the driver's face or body is not visible.
• Event generation trigger definition
  • Road-facing obstructions: Any visible obstruction that is blocking the line of sight to the roadway and preventing the ability to detect other unsafe driving behaviors
  • Driver-facing obstructions: Any obstruction that is blocking the line of sight to the driver and preventing the ability to detect other unsafe driving behaviors
  • Installation issues: The camera is installed improperly and is tilted at an improper angle,  preventing the line of sight to the roadway and/or the driver in the vehicle, which impacts the camera's ability to detect other unsafe driving behaviors
• In-cab alert definition
  • Road-facing obstructions: Any visible obstruction that is blocking the line of sight to the roadway and preventing the ability to detect other unsafe driving behaviors
  • Driver-facing obstructions: Any obstruction that is blocking the line of sight to the driver and preventing the ability to detect other unsafe driving behaviors
• Installation issues: The camera is installed improperly and is tilted at an improper angle, preventing the line of sight to the roadway, and/orthe  driver in the vehicle, which impacts the ability of the camera to detect other unsafe driving behaviors
• Supported dashcam models: DC-53, DC-54 and DC-64

Note:  Driver Facing Obstruction: DC 54, DC 64 Road Facing Obstruction: DC 53, DC 54. DC 63 and DC 64

Lane Swerving

• What is it detecting? It detects when a vehicle exhibits repeated lateral swerves, erratic movements from side to side, particularly on highways.
• Event generation trigger definition: Vehicle must be traveling ≥ 50 mph and swerves laterally 3 times within a 5-minute window. Lane lines must be clearly visible on both sides for the detection to work as intended.
• In-cab alert definition: Vehicle must be traveling ≥ 50 mph and swerves laterally 3 times within a 5-minute window. 
• Supported dashcam models: DC-53 & 54 with driver-facing lenses. Each individual swerve is represented by a short clip, and the event can be reviewed as a composite video.
• Additional information: Lane Swerving uses fixed thresholds and is not currently configurable through the Fleet Dashboard.

Forward collision warning

• What is it detecting? The driver is headed straight towards a possible collision.
• Event generation trigger definition: The vehicle closes in on another vehicle ahead and remains at an unsafe distance for 1.5 seconds, with a predicted response time of 2.2 seconds or less, while traveling at 25 mph or above.
• In-cab alert definition: The vehicle closes in on another vehicle ahead and remains at an unsafe distance for 1.5 seconds, with a predicted response time of 2.2 seconds or less, while traveling at 25 mph or above.
• Supported dashcam models: DC-53 and DC-54

Manual Driver Capture  

• What it detects: Manual Driver Capture, also called Quick Capture, lets a driver capture footage they want to share with fleet or safety administrators. 
• Event generation trigger definition: The driver presses the capture button above the LED light bar. Motive uploads a 40-second video: 20 seconds before and 20 seconds after the button press. 
• In-cab alert definition: The driver receives audio and visual notifications while the video is uploading. 
• Supported dashcams: DC-53 and DC-54.
• Additional information: Driver Capture events are High severity and do not affect the Motive Safety Score. A new manual capture cannot be triggered until the previous upload is complete. See Driver Capture Button on AI Dashcam.

Unsafe Parking 
 

• What it detects: The vehicle is parked on the shoulder of a major thoroughfare, highway, or freeway. 
• Event generation trigger definition: The vehicle remains parked on the shoulder for at least 3 minutes on a road with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or above. 
• In-cab alert definition: N/A. 
• Supported dashcams: DC-53, DC-54, DC-63, and DC-64. 
• Additional information: Unsafe Parking events are always High severity.

Fatigue Detection 
 

• What it detects: Fatigue Detection combines multiple AI-detected behaviors to identify progressive signs of driver fatigue - yawning, rubbing eyes, rubbing the face, stretching, lane swerving, and microsleep. Each Fatigue event is reviewed and validated before it appears in the dashboard and can include multiple video clips. 
• Event generation trigger definition: A combination of the behaviors above, validated before appearing in the dashboard. 
• In-cab alert definition: Available on AIDC-54. 
• Supported dashcams: Dual-facing AI Dashcams- AIDC-54 and AI Dashcam Plus DC-64. 
• Additional information: Fatigue events appear in Safety > Events and are available in the Fleet Dashboard, Fleet App, and Driver App. Fatigue events do not impact the Motive Safety Score at launch. See AI-powered Safety: Fatigue Detection.

Eating Detection
 

• What it detects: Eating Detection identifies when a driver is holding or eating food while driving. Drinking is not detected as Eating.
• Event generation trigger definition: A clearly visible edible item is detected in the driver's hand or near the driver's mouth for at least 5 seconds while the vehicle is traveling at speeds greater than 25 mph.
• In-cab alert definition: When enabled, an in-cab alert can be triggered when Eating is detected during driving. Alert frequency is automatically controlled to prevent excessive or repetitive notifications within a short time period. In-cab alerts are not available on VG5.
• Supported dashcams: DC-54 and DC-64.
• Additional information: Live and off by default. Admins must enable it at the Company or Vehicle level. See AI-Powered Safety: Eating Detection.

Viewing Dashcam videos for safety events 

1. Log in to the Motive Fleet Dashboard and go to Safety > Events.

2. If a video is available for a specific event, you will see an image displayed in the Preview column with the listed event. 

3. Click View details.

   

4. The event’s page opens up, and the video starts playing automatically.
5. The event details panel displays details like severity level, additional unsafe behaviors, and driver/vehicle/location information.

6. To download the video for this event, click the Download icon in the bottom right corner of the video.

   

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