c. 2007 Religion News Service

VATICAN CITY _ The Vatican, taking a detour from its usual pronouncements on faith and morals, on Tuesday (June 19) issued a set of “Drivers’ `Ten Commandments”’ in an effort to promote greater traffic safety.

The commandments were part of a document, “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road,” published by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

Noting that some 35 million people were killed in traffic accidents over the course of the 20th century _ often due to “downright stupid and arrogant behavior by drivers or pedestrians” _ the document proclaims the need for a “road ethics” based on “theological, ethical, legal and technological principles.”

According to the guidelines, driving is a matter of virtue. Charity requires drivers to “allow someone who wishes to drive faster to pass,” prudence forbids the use of cell phones behind the wheel, and justice “requires that drivers have a full and precise knowledge of the Highway Code.”

The document also recommends praying on the road, in particular the Rosary, “which, due to its rhythm and gentle repetition, does not distract the driver’s attention.”

And, in a nod to Mr. Goodwrench, the guidelines said “the duty to have vehicles serviced should be respected.”

The guidelines follow in a tradition of Vatican pronouncements on the need for road safety. Among the authorities cited are statements on the subject by Popes Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II.

Traffic is the subject of only the first half of the 36-page document; the rest addresses the pastoral care of “street women” (prostitutes), “street children,” and “the homeless” (tramps).

The guidelines urge evangelization in the “discotheques and in the `hottest’ areas of our metropolises” and urge soup kitchens to respect “guests’ dietary habits … in respect of their religious traditions.”

The Drivers’ “Ten Commandments” include:

I. You shall not kill.

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

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

IV. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

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

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

VII. Support the families of accident victims.

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

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

X. Feel responsible towards others.

KRE/LF END ROCCA