Are our Slants "Unsafe"?

crumple zones, air bags, and other safety devices don't mater if you avoid the accident in the first place

That is a very good and important point. Most of us don't drive our old cars the 12,000 or 15,000 or more miles in a year that are racked up on more recent vehicles. Risk is thus controlled by limited exposure. Make sure your tires, brakes, lights, and seat belts are as good and as safe as you can afford to make them, folks!