The deadlift is one of the most well-rounded, important lifts out there. I don't understand what you mean by "regular people"; are you saying that only eg powerlifters should do deadlifts and that casual lifters should avoid it?
IMO anyone interested in developing their strength (that is physically able to deadlift) should learn how to do them safely and then work on them.
Rippetoe laying out how to do a deadlift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwQQZCi6OHA
