Unfortunately, do to the nature of modern society (ie. lack of education - especially in the sciences, modern management practices and the manner and method of media reporting) and man's basic make-up - passengers become the group of people least able to determine safety or otherwise of an aircraft.
The facts of life in the First World are this: No government, operator or crew will knowingly allow any aircraft to depart if they feel that it's safety is un-reasonably compromised. This does not mean that there is no risk, just an acceptable one. Yes, the quality of ride on a turboprop aircraft is not generally as high as a jet - but it's level of safety (or exposure to risk) is no different.
Living is not risk-free. There are only two certainties: Death and Taxes.