They do, in fact, help on ice. There are plenty of youtube videos showing winter tire demos on hockey rinks.
And again, yes, they help substantially in 2 feet of snow.
I agree that properly treated roads are necessary, but we treat roads for the lowest common denominator. If we as a population properly prepared (say that three times fast) for poor road conditions, we and our environment would be way better off.
I've had winter tires, and tried to drive on ice (not intentionally). Were they better than all-weather tires? Maybe. Didn't try to do a direct comparison.
Did the experience suck hard? It really did. I happened to get really lucky, and there was no one around, and I just ended up spinning around and pointing the wrong way, so I very carefully turned back around and went on my way.
But however much they may help, trying to claim that winter tires are good enough that we can use them instead of proper road treatments is irresponsible and dangerous. And I say this as someone who is extremely upset at the environmental toll standard road salt takes every winter.
And again, yes, they help substantially in 2 feet of snow.
I agree that properly treated roads are necessary, but we treat roads for the lowest common denominator. If we as a population properly prepared (say that three times fast) for poor road conditions, we and our environment would be way better off.