Last updated at 23:51 19 June 2007

Thou shall not drive under the influence of alcohol. Thou shall respect speed limits. Thou shall not consider a car an object of personal glorification or use it as a place of sin.

The Vatican took a break from strictly theological matters to issue its rules of the road, a compendium of dos and don'ts on the moral aspects of motoring.

A 36-page document called "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road" contains Ten Commandments covering everything from road rage, respecting pedestrians, keeping a car in good order and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.

Drivers are urged to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral sense, and even consider saying a little prayer whenever they sit in the driver's seat.

"Cars tend to bring out the 'primitive' side of human beings, thereby producing rather unpleasant results," the document said.

The Vatican said it issued the guidance because driving has become such a big part of modern life.

"We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads," said Cardinal Renato Martino.

"That's a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the church."

The document does not demonise driving, however. It also extols the benefits, including family outings and transporting the sick to hospital.