The only safety issues that exist with aftermarket bumpers are airbag related. The addition of a much stronger bumper in some cases can lead to a delay or even no deployment of airbags in some instances.I believe that the newer Generation II airbag system sensors etc. don't have this problem. Regardless, your crumples zones are still there,and will function as intended. At lower speeds the addition of a stout bumper can save you $$$. Also a stout aftermarket bumper can be benificial at high speeds when hitting an object of lesser mass, a cow, a deer,or in one case on XOC a washing machine.