It’s a story that makes every motorist cringe.

At 7:40 p.m., Sunday night, someone threw a large rock at a double-decker bus from the top of a pedestrian overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway at Mckenzie Avenue.

The rock, 25 cm in diameter, smashed through the windshield of the northbound bus but neither the driver nor any of the 28 passengers were hurt, reported Saanich Police Sgt. John Price.

“It’s a significant incident when you think what could have happened,” Price said. Police dogs tracked an individual from the pedestrian bridge to a field west of Spectrum secondary school but lost the scent there.

There are no suspects at this time.

Bus driver David Cook said the overpass is a constant safety risk for bus drivers.

He knows of many who’ve been the target of eggs, pumpkins and other projectiles.

The driver of the No. 50 bus to Langford was very shaken, added Tim Robins, vice president of the local bus drivers’ union, CAW. “He’s really scared for his family.”

While the bus driver is already back to work, Robins said the emotional repercussions may be longer lasting. Robins plans to approach the Regional Transit Commission to have lighting and fencing installed on the overpass to prevent future incidents.

“Because of insufficient lighting, (the driver) never saw a thing -- just the rock coming through the window,” he said.

Price confirms police get called about similar incidents at that overpass between six and 12 times a year -- many more than for other overpasses.

Replacing the windshield on the bus cost $2,500, said B.C. Transit media relations officer Joanna Morton.

“We just can’t believe that it actually happened and whoever actually committed the criminal act didn’t realize the gravity of the situation and how it could potentially kill someone,” Morton said.

rholmen@saanichnews.com