DEAR ABBY: Two teenage boys who live on our block frequently ride their skateboards in the street. They wear no protective padding or helmets and pay no attention to their surroundings. They stay out at all hours in the summer, come flying into the street and swerve over both lanes of traffic. I have seen cars narrowly avoid hitting them many times, and I hear cars honking at them and drivers shouting.
Their parents don't seem to care. They also let their dogs run loose around the neighborhood and into the street, and often back out of their driveway without looking. I know I'll get nowhere speaking to them.
I'm terrified that I'll hit one of the boys with my car. I have come close twice and got dirty looks from them both times. I warn my visitors to watch out for them. I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before something awful happens, and I don't want to go to jail or live with a lifetime of guilt because of their irresponsible behavior. Any ideas? -- NERVOUS IN NEW ENGLAND
DEAR NERVOUS: Regardless of whether you think it will get you anywhere, talk to the parents about how dangerous their teenagers' behavior is, and when you do, explain that there have been a couple of near misses. After that, if the boys continue to ride in the street, mention it to your local police department and perhaps the boys will be cited for their recklessness. (Some communities have ordinances requiring the use of helmets.) If the dogs create a nuisance, contact animal control. After that, que sera, sera, and your conscience should be clear.