>Are they actually safer or do they just give the driver a false sense of security? Assuming it actually has 4WD/AWD (and most don't), that only helps you "go"

>Are they actually safer or do they just give the driver a false sense of security? Assuming it actually has 4WD/AWD (and most don't), that only helps you "go" and does nothing for "stop" as all cars have four wheel brakes. No amount of snow tire fanboy circle jerking will make up for the fact that doubling the number of driven tires lets an AWD vehicle can leisurely drive up the kinds of residential streets and driveways that are a "pick up some speed and send it" affair in a FWD vehicle equipped with snow tires. Source: I drive a FWD station wagon with snow tires.