In reply to balmybaldwin:
After driving past at least ten accidents on the way into Edinburgh on Tuesday night, two of them happening in front of me, winter tyres AND greater driving ability are definitely required. Adding steering lock to a car that's already on the way into a wall, and has been giving stark enough reminders that you're going too fast that even the car following is able to read, then you're beyond the help of winter tyres.
I'm a massive advocate of winter tyres but with the average standard of donkey behind the wheel all they do is ensure that the accident happens at a greater speed. Things like driving too close to the car in front, being oblivious to reduced traction levels, being unable to use momentum, being surprised at something you could read was about to happen from a mile off...the list goes on.