A light-weight utility vehicle floorboard is provided having a pair of frame channels formed in an interior portion of the floorboard. The frame channels receive a pair of vehicle frame struts therewithin. The floorboard additionally has formed therein a plurality of load dispersing structural ribs (LDSRs) between the frame channels and sides of the floorboard. The LDSRs spread a force generated by a low-speed side impact to the floorboard such that the vehicle frame struts are not damaged. The LDSRs also transfer passenger loads exerted on the outer portions of the floorboard to the DS and PS frame struts.