Are synthetic tracks REALLY safer?

Today we're going to talk about synthetic tracks in horse racing -- one of my favorite subjects, but not one to get me started on if you're just talking to me. Ever. Because I could go on for hours about horse racing -- even if it is my favorite sport (please don't hurt me).

But this morning, I checked the news to find that there have been two more accidents at Del Mar. With these two, that makes it eleven. In the last month and a half! Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Polytrack/synthetics supposed to be SAFER? Wasn't that the whole point of these tracks spending all that money to put them in?

Two riders hurt, horse euthanized

I'm not bashing Del Mar's track. In fact, I commend people for actually caring enough to attempt this. But we're barking up the wrong tree here. I'll tell you what I think another day (probably tomorrow unless something comes up).

Horses are dying and these accidents didn't even take place during a race. They took place during morning training.

Are synthetic tracks really safer than conventional dirt? Was it worth the money for these tracks to put them in? What do you think?