We need to consider how you can decrease your potential for crashing and how to decrease your potential for being injured from crashing since it is inevitable that every one who races will crash.
Most crashes are preventable and are caused by bad riding habits and carelessness.
The most important skill in bicycle racing is to be able to ride straight lines and be predictable in movements. Sudden radical lateral movements are not acceptable except in emergency situations. It is also very important to be able to flow with a smooth steady pace on the front of the peleton or on someone's wheel. Constantly varying your pace greatly increases your chances of crashing or causing crashes. You need to learn to control your speed with you legs and caressing your brakes just lightly while still pedaling.