Will martial arts training make me safer on the streets?
I think in reality martial arts training will only make you safer on the street if you actually are an expert on it. You need to trained at a quite high standard for it to be of use to you. I think what will actually make you safer on the streets is a real understanding of the surroundings that you're in, being aware of the surroundings that you're in, and a perception of your own psyche and potential vulnerability rather than relying on a martial art as your means. To be honest, the best way of avoiding an escalated situation is through the ability to talk, remain calm, and negotiate rather than relying on some form of self-defense.