My self imposed rule in my racing days was to not let go of the handlebars until after I hit the road. Improved the odds that my crash was going to be just road rash and bruises. Other mantra - acres of skin lost was good. The more road rash, the less deep and faster healing each one was. (And a really good reason to be pre-shaved.) Any crash I could ride on from was a good crash.

Collarbones vs hand and wrist injuries. Most here are talking like collarbones are a more serious injury. Really? They usually heal up just fine and 3/4s of the time require no surgery or setting. Usually lead to no consequences at all beyond shirt sleeves getting longer. Complications with hands and fingers can lead to the loss of many professions and lots of routine activities.

How one rides has a lot to do with how they crash. Touching front wheels to anything can bring over-the-bars crashes very fast and real likelihood of head and shoulder injury.. and need for the very serious injury minimizing arm and hand crumple-zone approach. Keep that front wheel clean and most of your crashes will be of the slipped on wet leaves variety to the side where not putting you hand down improves your odds of being able to ride on a lot.

I gave up places in races by passing on the opportunity to put my front wheel in places I didn't consider prudent.

Ben