This is somewhat a subjective topic but the only thing I will say to avoid.......the cheap pedals! You don’t really want to get a $15 or so pair of clipless because I did when I went clipless and almost gave up due to poor quality. Shimano 105 or Ultegra are a good start. Adjustable and a decent width platform for stability. I like Time Expresso pedals myself and the iClic system.

The bottom line is you may take suggestions here and buy something and not like it. In that case try another brand if you are financially able until you find that one pedal. But I would suggest to a newbie to clipless.....Shimano 105 as a start.

To your avoiding road crash and rash.......inevitably you will fall while clipped in. It is like riding a bike for the first time no training wheels, got to fall a few times to get the hang of it.