How to avoid injuries?

I'm a 28-year-old trying to get better at snowboarding, but I really want to avoid injuries. I even bought protective pants, along with knee and wrist guards, to stay safe. What should I focus on to minimize the risk of getting hurt?

Are rails too dangerous to even attempt? I saw someone break their ribs on one, which made me hesitant. Are ramp jumps generally safer? Also, what are the most common injuries snowboarders face?