Rome: Italians, like people all over the world, need to improve their road manners but drivers in Rome say the last thing they need is a set of Commandments by the Vatican.
The Vatican on Tuesday released a 36-page document of dos and don'ts on the moral aspects of driving and motoring. The document covered everything from keeping the car in good shape, not using a vehicle as 'an occasion of sin' and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.
“People in their cars, even the nicest, become animals in their vehicles," says taxi driver Mario Franch. But asked if he thought the Pope could help he says: "I don't believe so."
The Vatican document has urged responsibility and self-control, to prevent what it called the "psychological regression" often associated with cars and driving.
Caritina Tinocho, a nun, believes people shouldn’t ‘lose it’ on the road. "Normally people let themselves go when they drive and go very fast but it is right that people should be aware that driving is also about respect for others and the rules," says Tinocho.
Tinocho comment is ironic though. Amongst Rome residents, nuns and priests are some of the most feared drivers on the roads.
The Vatican’s Ten Commandments for drivers 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 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 fit 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 towards others.
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