I've fallen twice in the 3 years riding fixed only one of those times was while riding, the other was a slow tip over to one side when I tried clipless. Anyway when I fell and slid on my thigh knee area and it hurt like hell. Most of the time the front or back wheel will wash out from under you and just hand on for the ride. I don't recommend trying to break your fall using your hands, it's a great way to wind up with a palm full of glass, or syringes, or even used condoms bad all around.