Ten Commandments of Driving

There's been lots of buzz about the Vatican's Ten Commandments of Driving. But, it's hard to find the actual commandments.

Here they 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 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.

I'm most intrigued by 9 and 10, which I think are key. Like the rules of the sea, the rules of the road ought to give priority to the smaller and less powerful. Bicyclists should look out for pedestrians. Motorists should be vigilant for cyclists and pedestrians. And, the law ought to reflect that hierarchy.

Unfortunately, too many motorists view those on bike or on foot as impediments to their unfettered use of the roads.

Would have been nice if the Vatican had thrown in a "Share the road."