I am safer with my cleats than without, but that speaks of only one person and doesn't say anything about anyone else. It is not a safety issue. I'm safer with them because I'm used to them. If I weren't used to them, I'd be better off without them.

It really doesn't matter. Use whatever you like. Getting other people's opinions on this matter is not likely to help make your decision.

I have those pedals that I call one-sided that others call double-sided. Why do they call them double sided when nothing is doubled? They accept a cleat on one side and not on the other. So today, I rode with plain old shoes because I'm riding over snow and ice and also because they are warmer than my cleated shoes. I didn't slip off, so it's safe enough for me.