The Vatican's 10 Commandments for Drivers

by: Guest
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Italy may be the home of the Ferrari and Lamborghini – the fiercest beasts on the road, but that didn’t keep the Vatican from releasing a set of "Ten Commandments" for drivers to keep “sins” at bay.

The 10 Commandments for drivers tells motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive, and to help fellow travelers in case of accidents. Aimed at the faithful not just in Italy but around the world, the document also encouraged bishops to set up chapels along highways and have "periodic celebrations of liturgies" at truck stops, as well as encouraged motorists to pray while on the road.

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

"We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads," Martino said. "That's a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the church."

Here are the "Drivers' Ten Commandments":

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 neighbor 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.

But the Vatican apparently isn’t the first from the religious profession to deal with this issue. Inside Line reports that long before the Vatican issued its 10 Commandments for motorists this week, a small Catholic group in Mississippi has already been busy concerning itself with the same issues: the Sacred Heart Auto League has been promoting "prayerful and careful driving" since 1955 —offering visor clips, key chains and other car-related prayer aids on its Web site.

A prayer, good intentions, and auto parts (like Honda catalytic converter) that are in good shape wouldn’t be so bad on the road.

 

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

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