Yes, but up in Minnesota at least, I know they make clearing up the roads a priority. They may have 2 feet of snow, but the roads are clear. It seems the more snow a state has, the better they are at cleaning it up. I have friends that live in Minnesota, that have no problems driving up there after snow, and come down here and are amazed at the lack of clean up when it snows here.
I don't have kids, but I'm the same way. I HATE driving on snow and ice, I don't care if the roads are flat or not. I still have to be able to come to a stop, start going again, and turn down roads without slipping and sliding. And some cars just have better traction than others regardless of tires. And mine is NOT one of those cars LOL.