There are a number of differences. First, and, likely, most important, is that you probably have better snow-clearing services than we do. Second, we're not used to driving in the snow, given that it happens to a significant extent once every five years or so. And third, the temperature here is just below freezing, which means that it's real easy for the snow to melt and refreeze into pure ice, especially on the streets.
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Bitt Faulk