One thing you or anyone eventually learns about pacelines is you don't focus on the wheel in front of you. What you need to do is look further down the road infront of several riders. Since you are all going the same speed, the 4" or 6" gap (and that's tight when maybe 6" to 10" is fine) will stay the same. You need to watch the wheel occasionally but your primary attention should be on the road ahead. You'll be able to see what's in the road and what other riders are doing and thus avoid crashes