An unexpected visit by one of the area’s state representatives promoted an impromptu discussion on how to better ensure the safety of shoppers who stop by the county during the annual U.S. Highway 12 Garage Sale, during Thursday’s meeting of the Cass County Board of Commissioners.

After Michigan 59th District Rep. Aaron Miller shared the accomplishments he and fellow Lansing lawmakers made over the past year, Board of Commissioners Chairperson Robert Ziliak asked the legislator what, if anything, the state could do prevent accidents during the highway garage sale, which takes place every August.

Ziliak’s concerns were spurred by a fatal accident that occurred during this year’s event, where a South Bend woman was killed while attempting to cross the highway to get back to her vehicle after stopping at one of the sales in Milton Township Aug. 11.

Ziliak, who represents residents in Milton Township, said that the U.S. 12 Garage Sale — which took place this year Aug. 11 through 13 — is a frequent cause of serious accidents in Cass and other counties throughout the state, as shoppers rush from sale to sale on a busy highway.

While he said the event is great for bringing tourists to the region, the board chair said he has frequently expressed concerns about the garage sale’s safety at meetings with other area leaders.

“We need to get [state] legislators to pony up some money, to get some grants to local sheriff’s departments for some extra patrols that day, or to purchase some warning signs or something,” Ziliak said. “We need to get these people to slow down.”

Miller, a Republican currently serving his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives, said he and his family recently moved to Sturgis, which is located near U.S. Highway 12. The state representative said he has witnessed the same kind of frenzy during the garage sale near his neck of the woods — though he is skeptical that he and others in Lansing could provide a solution.

Although he has had voters — even those who claim to be against heavy government regulation — come to him and ask if garage sales on busy highways could be outlawed, Miller said that, as long as people follow current law, residents should be free to set up a garage sale regardless of where their homes are located.

The lawmaker instead suggested that leaders educate buyers and sellers on the dangers of crossing the highway, and to follow common sense, he said.

“I don’t know if we can prevent bad behavior with legislation,” Miller said. “It’s not to say I don’t recognize the problem. I do. But I don’t know if there is a perfect solution.”

Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke, who was in attendance Thursday, also chimed in on the issue. He said that he has recently spoken with Milton Township officials, who will ensure that there is extra traffic enforcement in the area for next year’s sale. The sheriff’s office will also work with other townships where U.S. Highway 12 runs through — Ontwa, Mason and Porter — to beef up security next year.

“We will look at that, and be more proactive,” Behnke said. “We will make sure we have more patrols ready and available.”