Well...I've been here all my life...and I have to have a lot of trust in whatever I'm driving to pass, and I have to feel the road. That said, it also takes serious weather for me to feel unsafe behind the wheel. There is also a difference between feeling unsafe, and doing something that puts other people at risk, too.

I grew up with people in my immediate orbit referring to the road as being "Greasy" or not. Because sometimes the roads feel that way. The car doesn't do what you want it to, regardless of how good your tires are, or how good of a driver you are, and your job is to keep it under control.

It doesn't matter if you have studs or not, if physics is against you. Studs work best when they can bite the pavement, if the only thing under your tire is snow+ice, take it slow if you have to be out. Studs help you go, they don't necessarily help you stop.

All that said....I pass sometimes. I also reserve the right to attempt a pass, and nope back into the more-travelled lane. Especially if my wife and kid are in the car.

Precious cargo changes how everyone drives (unless they are negligent). When I was driving my '94 Chevy as a college kid, I certainly drove that car a lot differently (and more recklessly...passing constantly on the highway, blowing donuts in parking lots, etc.) than how I drive now with my only car, with my only wife, and only child in it.

The stakes get higher when you realize what you have to lose. It is unlikely (unless in an emergency) that whatever you're trying to get to is so important that you must get there faster. You should have planned better if you're running late.