What is that black rubber strip hanging from the back of some cars?

Question

I've only noticed it on newer cars, and some of the rubber strips have a red line across the middle. It hangs from the bottom of the rear bumper and usually extends as far as the ground.

Answer 1

Its either a mud flap or whats left of that poor missing black feller that was flagman

Answer 2

It is a Static strap that is meant to stop car sickness

Used all over the world but yet to have concussive proof that they work

Petrol is not a major conductor of static electricity the way Jet Fuel is so not sure about the suggestion above

Answer 3

It's a static strap.

Prevents build up of static electricity.

They were used widely as an after-market accessory in the 1960's and 70's, they seam to be making a comeback now.

Answer 4

It's what's used to 'earth' the car.  My car hasn't got one and sometimes, when I get out of my car and touch the door I get the worst electric shock (and people think I'm mad as it often makes me swear quite violently when it happens).

Answer 5

I think it is for dogs to hang on

Answer 6

A grounding strap.  

It discharges static electricity to lessen the danger of sparking when fueling or shocking  a person at toll booths,  etc.

Answer 7

Its called a grounding strap it is to prevent a static discharge when you touch the car with a fuel filler nozzel!

Answer 8

Its their tails Duh!

Answer 9

It's true...it is a static strip that earths the car and discharges static electricity build up. It helps when you get in and out of the car and stops you from getting zapped!!  Also stops toll collectors from getting zapped. Dunno about the car sickness myth.

Answer 10

Strangely enough, Duigan20 is spot-on. They were originally advertised and sold in the seventies as an anti-car sickness strap although I don't think they've ever proven to be successful.