We’ve got the Vatican on our side.
Today the Vatican issued an unusual document, “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road”, which lists “Ten Commandments” including: “9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.” Sounds like an endorsement of our Vulnerable Roadways Users Bill, HB 3314. That bill has passed both houses, but in different forms, so the House now needs to vote on the revised version and the Governor needs to sign it.
The document also asks drivers to go the speed limit, and warns that cars can be “an occasion of sin” — particularly when they are used for dangerous passing.
It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral sense, and to pray when behind the wheel.
Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, told a news conference that the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.….
“We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads,” Martino said. “That’s a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the church.”
Note: the headline is tongue and cheek, not an endorsement of the Vatican’s version of God.
If someone can find the actual document, I’d love to link to it.
here’s the link from the Holy See: http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/20451.php?index=20451&lang=en
I thought this was a spoof when I glanced at it during the day. However, it was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered broadcast on Tuesday evening. Just an interesting coincidence, or is there some higher power assisting BTA’s advocacy efforts at this time? …hmmm