When I was in college, the “in” car to own was a VW Bug. I don’t think any car could have been less safe than the VW of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. However, I don’t remember any students having accidents in these VW’s. If you drive any car prudently, you will be reasonably safe.
I didn’t have a car when I was in college, but I envied those who did.