Neighbor kids got a 4 wheeler

Sometimes neighbor problems we end up having are actually (consciously or unconsciously) caused by our actions. People watch and fabricate assumptions about how you might act. In their vacuum of contact, they then treat you in a particular way in the future. "When did your neighbor problems start" ... "Ever since I can remember"

Ambivalent neighbors can soon become problem neighbors. I'd say engage your neighbors early and find mutual appreciation.

I think you are correct to have some concern.
1. make sure your farmowners insurance is "paid up"
check your liability coverage.. I'd suggest at least 250,000 limit.
this coverage is very cheap. even going to a million will only be a few dollars a year.
2. let the parents know that your place is not "set up" for 4 wheelers. you have pot holes and uneven ground. you don't have a 4 wheeler and don't know all the risks of a 4 wheeler, and you don't want their kids to be hurt so it would be best for them to ride on their home ground...
sent this to them in written traceable form.. for instance an email... you can make it all friendly and lovingly, but, if the inevitable does happen, and it happens over at your place, you have just made it more difficult for them to successfully sue you.
3. if you see them zooming down your driveway into the road (an occurrence that results in many accidents) go tell the kids that zooming down the driveway and making a uturn in the roadway may be fun, but it is very dangerous, and you must ask them to do that at their home, so that if they are hurt in the road their parents can get to them quickly and provide for their care...
4. you are correct to be concerned about the fence.. striking an object, such as a ditch or a tree or a fence competes with the driveway/roadway accident as the most common accident. in fact, it probably is in the number 1. spot!
this is why it would be best to request the parents to restrict their 4 wheeling to their own property.
5. if the parents comment on your fence being dangerous... invite them immediately to come fix it. then confirm the invite in a friendly email... for instance,
"susan, you mentioned your kids might hit my fence , and hurt themselves. oh goodness, that would be bad.
yes they could get hurt... they probably need to keep back from the fence a little ways so that they don't fall off the 4 wheeler and get hurt. maybe if they drove along the fence at a very slow rate of speed that would help too. I'm not sure what is dangerous about the fence... no one has ever been hurt at that fence before... but, as we said, please feel free to repair any fault you see. i'll be glad to help. just let me know.
see you at the pta meeting thrursday night.
I'm taking cookies. what about you?
see you Thursday,
sarah

many things are brought out in this email...
which can now be evidence if they try to sue you because their daughter nearly decapitated herself on your fence.
1... you confirmed a verbal invite to tell you what is wrong.
2.... you invited them to fix it, and that you would help.
3.... you were friendly..
4.... you let them know that there was no pre existing injury.
5.... you suggested a safe driving method ... go slow and stay away.
6.... you expressed your concern
7... you were friendly...
8... you want her to respond... therefore you asked about the PTA meeting at school.
9... when she responds... put the email in your file at home...

rr

WOW>.. that's all I can say.. wow... all over a so far unfounded fear...

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Never let your fear decide your fate!
Kein Mitleid für die Mehrheit

Spot on! My fear is that if there aren't neighbor issues, all this drama will create them.

If you have a road, especially paved, they will soon be on that instead of going around and around in a field.

geo

Kids will be kids but the probability of them hitting your fence is low enough to put it way down in the "deal with it it if happens" file.

Don't worry about it and be glad you have a fence to keep them off your place!

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Momma's don't let your cowboys grow up to be babies!