Do you value life? There's no question that snow tires give a benefit, the question is "how much"? Upstate NY (what do you mean southern?) receives enough snowfall to warrant snow tires. I have a feeling (but no hard evidence) that snow tires will reduce collisions by 20-50%.

My opinion is to get them. Insurance companies recommend them because it reduces the chances of a collision (and possible injury to you, passengers, others).