Some wheels are better to follow than others. Look for people who are smooth, aren't wearing damaged clothing, and appear to know what they're doing, then try to work your way on to their wheel.

That said, ultimately you can't trust anyone for your safety, and you have to be responsible for yourself. Keep your eyes up the road, looking past the hips of the rider in front of you, with their wheel in your peripheral vision. This allows you to see what's developing and prepare for it.

If your vision is locked onto the wheel in front, it's too late to react when you become aware of a problem.