[FourthProtocol]

Understood. I chose (forgive me) 'choosing the correct tire' because not everybody in snowy areas knows they need them, and not everybody has ready access to them. There's often no legal requirement for snow tyres, and some countries (Australia, for example) don't even HAVE snow tyres even though Canberra for eg, tends to get snow at least once a year.

Snow is no stranger in Scotland either, and there's no snow tyres requirement in the UK.

Germany has a law that states you must have winter tyres or all-year tyres from October to Easter ("Oktober bis Ostern" - O to O).

Drive up to Tiffindell Ski Resort in South Affrica (8,920 ft up) in whatever you have - donkey cart, bicyle, 4x4... That gets snowed in regularly, and there's a just a hand-made "4WD recommended" sign at the bottom of the mountain.

[jollybean]

Oh yes, I understand the lingo as a once-upon-a-time Canadian-Californian.

I totally get the confusion.

... and why people are driving around in smash up derbies with just 2 inches of snow.

I'm only just saying 'there isn't that much confusion' elsewhere, it's not like Bostonians have super magical driving ability.

They mostly just have winter tires.

Winter tires with proper 4x4 and ABS etc. can be a pretty safe package.