The crash idea is total idiocy.
Try riding behind someone who is a good descender, and following their line. Do what they do in terms of which foot is down (the outside foot). If you can, ask them to go a bit slower than normal so you can stay with them. Following someone else might help you understand that you *can* go that speed.
- relaxed & firm grip on the bars - no death grip, no straight elbows
- hands in the drops
- weight on the outside pedal, which is down