In 1997 all cars are required to withstand minimum crashworthiness standards from a broadside impact by another vehicle traveling at 33.5 mph. Many manufacturers have already met this standard by installing side-door guard beams designed to protect both the occupants' chest and pelvis and maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle. Light trucks--which include minivans, pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles--will be required to pass this test in 1998.

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