Driving in snow and ice, especially in rural areas is at best, a hassle, at worst, potentially fatal.
I have lived in Wisconsin and Minnesota, I was always prepared to spend a comfortable 5 days in my old beater 1976 pick up truck.
Now days I would think that just about anyone that wants to has a spiffy little 4 wheel car or SUV and their cell phone and charger with them (and hopefully a sleeping bag).
A freeper should be able to handle driving to and from work, regardless of where he lives.