I'm not sure if pedals are different these days because I see a lot of this on this forum... not being a smart-ass, just wondering. My clipless pedals are a bit old, Shimano PD-1056, from about 15 years ago. They're a bit heavy but they work nice (I have them set up pretty tight). For me to release my foot I just twist my foot ~15° and the pedal fires my foot out the side 8" - 10", do modern designs work the same? I never had much of an issue getting used to them as I used cleats with toe straps before which is the most dangerous setup IMO. Stopping would usually involve flailing my foot around while trying to stop controllably, and lean over at the same time to loosen the strap. I took quite a few spills with those but at least all at very low speed. When I went clipless it was a dream and haven't fallen since. I guess it's all dependent on what you're used to.

I was told when I got mine to relax your foot and pull to the side with your heel so your foot will naturally twist and kick out. I found that technique didn't work well for me as just twisting my foot but maybe it will for you? A sidewalk might be a good place to practice. In a door way might be okay to get used to the motions but I think it's a different story when you're out on the road and about to fall and panic sets it. At least on a sidewalk you have grass on either side to cushion a fall.