Social problems caused by inconsiderate drivers can be alleviated by applying traditional Christian values to road and car use, according to the Vatican.

Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office migrants and itinerant people, said that World Health Organization statistics showed about 1.2 million people die and 50 million are injured in road crashes every year.

He suggested that prayer, performing the sign of the cross and reciting the rosary during driving would be effective in reducing road accidents.

The document produced by his office and called 'Guidelines for the pastoral care of the road', said driving was an important and valuable part of every day life.

It went on to say speeding, aggression and use of drugs or drink were the negative side of the activity.

The 36-page document said driving could expose "primitive behaviour in motorists; including impoliteness, rude gestures, cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or deliberate infringement of the highway code," according to Associated Press.

It lists ten "commandments" covering everything from road rage, respecting pedestrians, keeping a car in good shape and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.