Can Someone Explain This New Hudson Valley School Bus Trend?

It seems that I'm finally at the age where I start my sentences with saying back in my day..., because I am absolutely baffled by the early morning school bus trend I've been noticing across the Hudson Valley.

It always takes a few weeks (or months) for local drivers like me to get used to the school year starting up again, with increased traffic, slow busses, and of course bus stops all playing a part in our morning commutes. While those are all accepted facts of life, one thing needs to stop.

School Bus Drivers in the Hudson Valley

Let's start with a disclaimer: school bus drivers have a very tough job and should be sainted, for not only their skill driving a large vehicle, but for being able to deal with dozens of rowdy children on a daily basis. My complaint focusses on the parents.

Longer School Bus Stops in the Hudson Valley

This year, I noticed that school bus stops had been taking longer than usual. From the back of the line of cars, I could see the red lights of the bus flashing for what felt like minutes at a time. What could be taking these kids so long?, I wondered. Finally, I found out.

New School Bus Stop Trend in the Hudson Valley?

Recently, I found myself near the front of the line of cars that dutifully stop when an approaching school bus turns on its lights and extends its stop sign. Then, we waited. And waited. Finally, a child emerged from the passenger side of a car that was sitting in the driveway...

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When Did Hudson Valley Kids Start Waiting in the Car For the Bus?

I wondered if what I saw was a fluke, but time and time again, I saw the same thing happen: a bus would stop and wait as a child slowly got out of a car, turned back to grab their bags, and quite often, were walked across the street by their parent who would then spend time talking to the driver as their kid found a seat.

Read More: School Bus Trap: Get a Surprise Ticket in the Hudson Valley

Again, I feel like a grumpy old man sitting on his porch yelling at squirrels for playing in his yard, but when did this start happening? School bus stops should be treated like NASCAR pitstops, not a walk in the park. We have enough jerks trying to pass school buses as it is, why give them another reason to think their dangerous driving is justified?

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I can understand the arguments of safety and peace of mind that might come with having a small child accompanied by a parent at their bus stop, but where's the sense of urgency? When I was their age (can't believe I just wrote that cringeworthy sentence), we treated bus stops like a fire drill. I guess I'm getting cranky in my old age.