News / Religion
“Drivers’ Ten Commandments” Issued by the Vatican
Citing the necessity to carry the teachings of Jesus in all areas of modern life the Vatican issued a list of “Ten Commandments” for motorists to abide in order to adhere to the moral guidelines of the Catholic Church.
The “Drivers’ Ten Commandments” was part of a document released by the Vatican entitled “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road” which outlines proper behavior while operating motor vehicles. The document also highlights the benefits of automobiles and encourages drivers to utilize their vehicles for righteous activities that include family outings, witnessing other cultures and carrying sick individuals to the hospital.
Addressing the harmful affects automobiles can play in everyday life Cardinal Renato Martino noted “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 for society and the church.”
Warning about the dangers of road rage that could elicit “impoliteness, rude gestures, cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or deliberate infringement of the highway code,” the Church encourages the use of prayer to curb the negative behavior.
The “Drivers’ Ten Commandments” as listed by the Vatican
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.
