Ben Hur chariot race spikes as lugs

Saw a large utility type truck with lug spikes on the front wheels that were extremely long. Lug spikes so long that I thought of the chariot race in the movie Ben Hur and Marcella’s spiked chariot wheels. Can anyone clue me in as to why?

 

I see it on occasionally on semis. Always figured it's because they draw people's view to them, and result in people not driving as close to the truck.

 

They cappin' big Swangas.

 

Maybe those type super spiked lugs were once needed for cutting thru ground brush getting to powerline repairs on rural dirt roads, haha. Whatever, they look intimidating as hell. For effect only?

 

the spikes used to be the lug nut themselves.
made it easier to guide a long socket/impact onto the hex. the wheel itself breaks in half, to change the tire.

some of these now are just covers to keep the nuts clean and free of damage.

 

Ah…OK. Made to look like chariot race spikes. Still…a wicked cool scenario comes into mind where the other guys tires are totally shredded getting too close, lol.