As Sinbad has pointed out, if you dont put your car in a risky position it becomes far easyer to avoid the "over ambitious newcomer" and make up places
There is definatly an art to avoiding crashes and its based (for me at least) in having good spacial awarness in traffic, and being confidant in your actions when you make them, and if you dont know/trust the guy (or gal) your overtaking, then be ready to back out and try again next corner or next lap.
most importantly of all race with a setup that enables you to be fully in control of the car 99% of the time.
Oh and respect others
Peace
SD.