Dangers of cycling?

[Carolina]

OK, road cyclists, talk to me about the dangers of cycling.

Hubby is interested in getting involved with cycling. I support this, because it's great, healthy exercise, and I love it myself. Right now, he tools around the neighborhoods and I don't worry.

When I used to cycle a lot, it was in my twenties - on the back roads of CT. I always felt safe. We now live in a metro area and one just can't jump out in a main road. Some do, and I absolutely cringe when I attempt to pass them in the car.

We have area clubs, and group rides abound. They are usually early in the morning before traffic hits the roads, early evening in the summer, or early weekend mornings. Are these group rides relatively safe? I do tend to be a worrier, so I'm looking for outside input regarding this.