Using an RC snubber with a triac. Is this design safe? (simulation included)
Your simulation is far too pessimistic, because you are opening your switch at a zero-crossing of the source voltage. Because of the inductive nature of your load (the motor), this corresponds to nearly the peak current flow.

In actuality, your triac will conduct until the current zero-crossing, at which time, there will be very little energy stored in the inductance of the load.