While living in northern Canada for the better part of 10 years where annual snow is measured in feet (around 8' on average), we never had to use chains...even in the highest mountain passes nor did anyone else we knew .

The best investment for the money is a set of 4 winter tires mounted on spare rims.
Where we live now, there has been 17 inches of snow in the last couple of days and with winter tires mounted on the car, it is no problem driving around on unplowed roads and streets.

The reality is that you can be safe if you:
1) Have winter tires
2) Maintain sensible driving habits, including knowing when not and where not to drive. (see # 4 below in case you forget this)
3) "It won't happen to me attitudes" are left at home
4) Be prepared for the driving conditions by having the proper emergency gear and supplies in the vehicle.

Take one or more of the above points out of the equation and you are on a fast track to being another statistic...