|PIC1|The Roman Catholic Church has released a new set of guidelines for motorists, in the hope of promoting more responsible driving.

The 10 recommendations made in the document have already been labelled the "10 Commandments" for motorists, and is part of the Church's call for drivers to abide by speed limits and to take care of other motorists.

The document entitled 'Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road' is the first time the Roman Catholic Church has attempted to tackle specifically the spread of social problems onto roads, including road rage and drink-driving.

The 36-page document encourages drivers to make the sign of the cross before setting off on journeys.

Included in the guidelines, compiled by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant People, drivers are told not to drive and drink, not to make rude gestures, and to help accident victims and their families.

Looking more deeply, the Vatican also comments that cars can be "an occasion of sin" - highlighting their use in the prostitution and sex trades.

The Vatican thought it important to issue the guidelines as driving has become such a big part of contemporary life, said Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the council.

Cardinal Martino added: "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."