My statistical basis is CAP 701, which is the UK survey of air accident statistics between 1990-1999, during which period there were total fatalities:-
Balloons: 1
Gliders: 42
Gyroplanes: 7
Microlights: 26
Non public transport helicopters <5,700kg: 30 crew, 19 pax.
Non public transport aeroplanes <5,700kg: 134 crew, 65 pax.
It does say in there that although hours for everything else are recorded (allowing a breakdown per flying hour) hours aren't recorded for balloons - making statistical comparison difficult. BUT, 1 fatality over 10 years, in a country with about 1900 registered balloons strikes me as pretty damned safe.
I don't have stats for any other country, but if the the US stats are as bad as you say, they perhaps aught to be looking at how things are done over here?
G