The announcement Monday came on a date many celebrate as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day.

The driver reported the crash occurred because of a mechanical issue that caused the accelerator to become stuck.

The schools say their was virtually no disruption of their classroom activities during the soft lockdown.

Students walking, biking, or taking the bus should follow traffic rules, wear helmets, and stay visible.

Families and educators are encouraged to take the Pledge2Protect, request free safety presentations, and share awareness materials.

The county says capturing or handling strays can pose safety risks and spread disease.

In the past year, Southern 7 Health Department has shared gun safety information with approximately 1,750 individuals, and provided more than 600 gun locks.

IL OSHA says many of these risks can be reduced with better training, written procedures, and routine maintenance.

Heavy rains, outdated equipment, and growing populations - these are just some of the causes behind sanitary sewer overflows in southern Illinois.Janelle O'Dea is an investigative journalist with the Illinois answers Project who has written two articles about communities in the Metro East and southern Illinois dealing with this problem.