Farm accidents caused 1,438 deaths in 1976 (14.5 victims per 100,000 exposed persons), 20 percent below 1970 and the lowest rate since 1962. Persons 35 to 44 years old had the fewest farm accident fatalities, while those 55 and older had the most. Farm-machinery accidents, crushing accidents, and accidental blows accounted for nearly two-thirds of all deaths and were responsible for most of the year-to-year variations. Improved safety features on farm machinery and educational efforts by manufacturers may have contributed to the decline in farm fatalities