‘Thou Shalt not Kill’ tops Vatican’s Ten Commandments for drivers

THE Vatican has issued Ten Commandments for drivers, telling motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive, and to help fellow travellers in case of accidents.

An unusual document from the Vatican’s office also warned that cars can be “an occasion of sin” — particularly when they are used for dangerous passing or prostitution.

It warned about the effects of road rage, saying driving can bring out “primitive” behaviour in motorists, including “impoliteness, rude gestures, cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or deliberate infringement of the highway code”.

It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral sense, and to pray when behind the wheel.

Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, said the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.

He noted that the Bible was full of people on the move, including Mary and Joseph — and that his office is tasked with dealing with all “itinerant” people — including refugees, prostitutes, truck drivers and homeless people.

“We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads. That’s a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge,” said Cardinal Martino.

The document, Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road, extols the benefits of driving — family outings, getting the sick to the hospital, allowing people to see other cultures.

The “Drivers’ Ten Commandments,” are:

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbour in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.