This fairing was built in 2006 and allowed me to cruise comfortably improving my speed from 10 mph to 14 mph as I am an older rider. The bike as pictured has areobars set 10 in. apart. Since the shape is a cone and attached to the frame, I have had NO trouble with crosswinds even in stiff winds. This is the problem with most fairings on the market or in the patent files - they attach to the handlebars and forks ahead of the steering axis. The material is plastic and waterproof, covering the shoulders, arms, and thighs. I use either a rain jacket and chaps or a LeMond rain suit depending on the length of trip.
The view forward is quite adequate as the nose tapers to a 4 in. diameter at the 6v PAR-36 headlamp. There is enough room for steering while riding and the aluminum support arm does not go all the way to the front. The wire mesh would absorb energy in a crash and the arm is easily made of two pieces with shear bolts or plastic fasteners to avoid the skewer effects. The design for commuting is to have full vision left, right, and a rear view mirror. A face shield is in the works for the next version and the tail box will be higher.
A recumbent is heavier and has the same drag as an upright on aerobars. My basement stairs would not allow a LWB recumbent to make the turns. In short, well designed fairings can be safe and effective.