A Clearer View of Safety

July 27, 2026

Written By Adam Buckallew

New camera technology is helping MFA Oil protect drivers, reduce costs and strengthen its commitment to safety.

A few months ago, MFA Oil received a complaint that one of its drivers had run another motorist off the road and left the scene. The allegation was serious enough that law enforcement contacted the co-op searching for the driver and vehicle involved.

In the past, situations like this often came down to one person’s word against another’s. But this time, MFA Oil could rely on something more concrete.

Video footage from the truck’s onboard camera system showed exactly what happened. Both vehicles remained in their lanes, passed each other safely and continued down the road without incident. The MFA Oil driver had done nothing wrong. In fact, he even gave a neighborly wave to the other driver as they passed.

The recording provided an objective account of the encounter, protecting both the driver and the cooperative from the consequences of a claim that simply wasn’t true.

The incident underscores the value of having video evidence. Thanks to MFA Oil’s newly installed Motive camera system, the company has an accurate record of its drivers’ performance on the road, helping separate fact from speculation when accidents or claims occur.

“We’re able to see what actually happened rather than relying on conflicting accounts,” said Will Reniker, vice president of enterprise risk management. “The cameras give us the ability to protect our drivers and make decisions based on facts.”

MFA Oil began installing the camera systems across its fleet last fall, completing the rollout earlier this year. The company’s propane and service trucks are equipped with forward-facing, side and rear cameras, while refined fuel delivery trucks feature forward-facing dash cameras.

MFA Oil’s decision to install the camera system was driven by a growing trend affecting commercial fleets across the country: rising litigation costs. When accidents occur, determining fault can be difficult without clear evidence, often leading to lengthy and expensive disputes.

Reniker says the cameras are helping eliminate much of that uncertainty.

Since September, the camera system has saved the co-op an estimated $323,000 through reduced insurance costs and lower accident-related expenses. During that same period, MFA Oil’s auto liability insurance premiums declined by 8%, while anticipated losses dropped by 22%.

The cameras also help the company more accurately determine responsibility for vehicle damage. When another driver causes an accident involving an MFA Oil vehicle, video evidence allows the cooperative to pursue reimbursement for repair costs that might otherwise have been absorbed by the company.

Beyond the financial benefits, the system provides important protections for MFA Oil drivers.

Commercial drivers are often subject to post-accident drug testing requirements. In situations where video clearly shows an MFA Oil driver was not at fault, the company can often avoid unnecessary testing. That reduces costs while allowing drivers to remain on the job rather than waiting for testing and results.

The technology has also helped protect drivers from unjust citations and false claims. In several cases, video evidence has been used to demonstrate that MFA Oil employees followed proper procedures and operated their vehicles safely.

The cameras do more than record incidents after they occur. They also help prevent accidents before they happen.

Using artificial intelligence, the cameras can identify behaviors such as distracted driving, following too closely, seatbelt violations, hard braking, stop-sign violations and unsafe parking. The information creates coaching opportunities that help drivers improve safe driving habits and reduce risk on the road.

Looking ahead, MFA Oil plans to expand its use of the Motive platform beyond cameras. The system can help track vehicle maintenance schedules, automate portions of DOT compliance reporting, measure vehicle utilization and recognize employees who demonstrate strong safety performance.

For Reniker, the technology’s greatest value is simple.

“At the end of the day, our goal is to protect the people who represent MFA Oil every day on the road,” Reniker said. “The cameras help us verify the facts, recognize safe driving and stand behind our employees when they’ve done the right thing.”

By providing a clearer picture of what happens on the road, MFA Oil is strengthening its safety culture, supporting its employees and helping safeguard the cooperative’s resources for the benefit of its member-owners.