Why do drivers hang broken tarp straps from their steps?

We have them for static discharge. they are not standard rubber bungee's, they are usually made of copper wire strands embedded in rubber to hold it in place. We don't want to go BOOM while unloading or sleeping, and I'm sure you don't want us too either LOL..

Anyways, i saw 3 different guys this week with the straps hanging off the steps and all 3 said the same thing "it is for grip, as in when ice/snow builds up on the steps or you get diesel fuel on your boots (or in JB's case, his mandals) so you don't slip and fall"

In turn I said, "I don't have them and have over 1 million miles and have yet to fall off my steps or slip"..........

today I missed my top step and fell off, #### karma !!!!

 

Nah, I just think it looks stupid.