I learned to drive in Chicago in the 60's. No front wheel drive, no snow tires, but the City's street are straight, and the topography is flat. Plus they are accustomed to lots of snow each winter (however it seems even Chicago is having trouble today) and the equipment is available to deal with it. I've lived in Fairfax VA (metro Wash DC) for the last 18 years and what a difference. The topo is not flat, the roads are not straight. Many people have a very difficult time even with front wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. Since I've lived here, kids have been forced to stay at school and parents had to get to them as best they could because the buses couldn't move. Fairfax County now cancels school if snow is in the forcast. Just too many risks. It is easy to laugh when you don't have to leave work and drive to school 25 miles in snow in rush hour traffic, it can take 6 hours.

regards,

Mark