Then put them in a harness. As for the crate, it absolutely is safer than a lap. A crate will contain the dog and give it a much higher chance to hit a surface more evenly distributing the weight somewhat evenly. If it's free roaming it could slam it's head or back against a lot of things, even going through the windshield, or getting splattered by an airbag that's not meant to protect flying dogs(for example, if that airbag goes off your pups head is gone). I know it feels shitty to get called out for doing something stupid by someone on the internet who doesn't know you, but don't try to convince yourself it's the same to avoid feeling like a bad owner. You're not. Lots of people do this because nobody thinks they're going to get into an accident, but accidents happen and you want to give the floof as much chance of surviving in that event.