I assure you these airplanes are perfectly safe. The cabin is more cramped than a "jumbo" but they get you to your destination safely and somewhat quicker than a turboprop aircraft. For the smoothest and quietest ride, try and secure a seat in the forward portion of the cabin, preferably in front of the wings rather than aft.

Summertime in the midwest or even the south for that matter brings warm unstable air. Warm air rises, and meets the cooler air in the upper altitudes. Storms then form, so naturally that brings turbulence so don't freak out when you hit a bump or two. The airplane is not going to crash and this is a fine piece of Canadian engineering.