Two major roads in Limpopo were temporarily closed on Friday morning following separate motor vehicle accidents, causing traffic disruptions and prompting authorities to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said the D449 near Tshedza Ha-Mailula was closed after a crash involving three vehicles.

The department issued the advisory at 8.30 am, warning that traffic in the affected area was not moving while law enforcement officials and emergency response teams attended the scene.

Motorists travelling to Tshedza, Tshikombani and Shanzha via Witvlag were advised to use the N1 and turn right at Willisport.

Those travelling towards Makhado were advised to use the R523 until joining the N1 from Musina towards Makhado.

The department also warned motorists to follow instructions from traffic officers and, where possible, avoid the affected area until the road is reopened.

The latest incident came just two hours after another crash resulted in the temporary closure of the N1 North, about 15km from Polokwane.

The department issued its first advisory at 6.30 am, saying traffic was not moving at the scene and emergency personnel and law enforcement officials were working to manage the incident.

Motorists were advised to use the R81 or R521 while the N1 remained closed.

The circumstances surrounding both crashes, including whether anyone was injured or killed, had not been provided by the department at the time of publication.

The incidents highlight the dangers facing motorists on South African roads, where crashes continue to claim thousands of lives each year.

According to national road safety statistics released by the Department of Transport, South Africa recorded 11,418 road fatalities in 2025 from 9,674 crashes, down from 12,581 fatalities recorded in 2021.

Although the reduction is encouraging, authorities continue to identify dangerous driver behaviour as a major contributor to road deaths.

The Transport Department has repeatedly warned that speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol remain among the major causes of road crashes. During the 2025/26 festive season, preliminary figures showed 1,427 people were killed in 1,172 crashes. Authorities said reckless driver behaviour remained a leading cause of road trauma.

During the 2025 Easter road safety campaign, authorities stopped and checked more than 177,000 vehicles. A total of 941 drivers were arrested for drunken driving, while 89 were arrested for excessive speeding. More than 44,000 traffic fines were issued.

Road safety authorities have urged motorists to take greater responsibility for their behaviour behind the wheel by obeying speed limits, avoiding alcohol before driving, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy and getting enough rest before long journeys.

Motorists are also encouraged to wear seatbelts, ensure children are properly restrained and avoid distractions such as using mobile phones while driving.

The South African government has stressed that road deaths are not inevitable and that changing driver behaviour remains critical to reducing fatalities.

For motorists in Limpopo, authorities urged patience as officials work to clear the affected roads.

The department said further updates on both incidents would be communicated as more information becomes available.