Fatal Bicycle Crash Claims Life of Seth Pollack

FATAL BICYCLE CRASH NEAR 17 MILE DRIVE AND CRESPI LANE CLAIMS LIFE OF SETH POLLACK

Monterey, CA—A tragic collision on Friday morning, December 5, 2025, resulted in the death of 66-year-old Monterey resident Seth Pollack. According to preliminary information from the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 9:17 a.m. near 17 Mile Drive and Crespi Lane. Authorities report that a 62-year-old Pebble Beach woman driving a black Toyota SUV was heading south on 17 Mile Drive and attempting a left turn onto Crespi Lane when a head-on impact occurred with Mr. Pollack, who had been riding his bicycle westbound within the eastbound lane. Emergency responders arrived quickly and performed life-saving measures, but Mr. Pollack succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver reported possible injuries and was transported to a hospital for evaluation. CHP has indicated that impairment is not suspected at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.

WHAT AUTHORITIES HAVE REPORTED SO FAR

- Location and time: The crash took place near the intersection of 17 Mile Drive and Crespi Lane around 9:17 a.m.
- Parties involved: A bicyclist, identified as 66-year-old Monterey resident Seth Pollack, and a 62-year-old Pebble Beach woman driving a black Toyota SUV.
- Crash dynamics: The driver was attempting a left turn onto Crespi Lane; the collision was described as head-on while the bicyclist was reportedly traveling west in the eastbound lane.
- Emergency response: Life-saving efforts were initiated at the scene, but Mr. Pollack was pronounced deceased. The driver was evaluated at a hospital for potential injuries.
- Investigation status: CHP reports that impairment is not currently suspected. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

REMEMBERING THE VICTIM AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Mr. Pollack’s passing is a profound loss for the Monterey community and beyond. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his identity, and his colleagues and students at California State University, Monterey Bay recognized him for more than 25 years of leadership at the university’s Service Learning Institute. His work connected students with community organizations and helped shape service learning initiatives regionally and nationally. His contributions extended well past the campus, leaving a legacy of civic engagement and mentorship.

UNDERSTANDING HOW LEFT-TURN AND WRONG-WAY COLLISIONS HAPPEN

Turning movements at intersections—especially left turns—are among the most hazardous maneuvers drivers perform. Even at lower speeds, misjudging a bicyclist’s distance or speed can lead to devastating outcomes. A few factors often examined in left-turn collisions include:

- Driver perception and line of sight: On curving corridors like portions of 17 Mile Drive, vegetation, parked vehicles, or roadway curvature can reduce visibility. Investigators often assess sight lines and whether a driver could reasonably see a bicyclist in time to yield.
- Gap selection: Drivers must make split-second decisions to turn across oncoming lanes. If a bicyclist is closer or moving faster than perceived, a driver’s chosen gap may be inadequate.
- Positioning of the bicyclist: Riding against the flow of traffic (i.e., in the oncoming lane) can increase complexity and reduce the predictability drivers rely on to make safe turning decisions. While California expects bicyclists to ride in the direction of traffic, investigators will analyze how all positioning and movements contributed to the event.
- Speed and roadway conditions: Morning glare, road surface conditions, and travel speeds of both parties are typically analyzed to understand how they shaped the crash dynamics.

CALIFORNIA LAWS THAT PROTECT PEOPLE ON BICYCLES

California recognizes that people on bicycles are vulnerable road users. Several provisions may be relevant in crash analyses:

- Duty to yield on left turns: Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to constitute a hazard. This duty includes being vigilant for bicyclists approaching from any lawful position.
- Three Feet for Safety Act (CVC 21760): Drivers passing a bicycle must provide at least three feet of clearance, or slow to a safe speed when that buffer is not possible. While this collision involved a turning movement, the statute reflects the broader duty to exercise caution around bicyclists.
- General duty of care: All road users—drivers and bicyclists alike—owe a duty to exercise reasonable care, obey traffic laws, and avoid causing harm to others.

Mr. Pollack’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for Monterey, CSU Monterey Bay, and the countless students and organizations he impacted throughout his remarkable career. As investigators continue evaluating visibility, roadway geometry, and the actions of both parties, the community is left grieving an educator and leader whose legacy of service will endure for decades.

At Avian Law Group, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Pollack’s family, colleagues, and students. When tragedies like this occur, families often face overwhelming questions about what happened and what their rights may be moving forward. Our team is here to offer compassionate guidance, help protect critical evidence, and pursue accountability and justice. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.