I started with clips/straps/sneakers while in college. From there went to cleated shoes with clips/straps so there is no way to accidentally come loose without first loosening the strap. Fell a few times until I programmed myself to plan my strap-loosening reach everytime I stopped. When I finally got some LOOK clipless, I fell the first few times also because I kept reaching down to loosen the strap, but the strap wasn't there! So now I've been clipless for over 20 years and never had any mis-haps due to pedal functionality. Engaging and disengaging becomes second nature surprisingly quick.