Races are not really safe (even TT's to some extent). While crits tend to have a more fearful factor to them (event has it right ^^^) due to corners. The funny things is I have seen the worst crashes right at the start line of a crit (usually from the sprint, prime or race finish) and in the middle or a straight.

Go do what you feel like you want to do... BTW a race is NOT the place to develop basic bike handling skills. You should be able to handle the bike as needed for the criterium or road race before stepping onto the race roads. The people who cause the crashes are generally the ones who are either - unsure of themselves - or - going beyond their abilities - .

Have fun and do not worry to much about the safety factor... have fun!