A colleague who is a very experienced ex-mil pilot, flys autogyros and is of the opinion that they are much safer than helicopters - they are permanently in autorotation so an engine failure is not much of a drama and they are very stable to fly.
Their vulnerability is crosswinds for take off and landing as preventing drift is more difficult.
speed control is vital, too many pilots run out of rpm either on takeoff or landing or performing enthusiastic manoeuvres.