Yes, getting rear-ended is statistically rare, but more often fatal when it does happen.

Taking the lane is the usually the safest way to go. Still, I avoid streets with fast, dense traffic and limited visibility. If a car comes up over a hill going 60 and you are there with oncoming traffic in the other lane, they may not have many options. Choose your route carefully. If cars have an alternative lane available and traffic is not fast, just get far enough into the lane that they have to change lanes. Cars tend to resist changing lanes for some reason, but if you make them, everyone is safer.