In many instances ABS increases braking distance in snow/gravel/slush conditions.
There are many people who have personally done this test - I recommend you do as well because its like night and day difference.
find and remove the fuse for your ABS system. Do an emergency stop on an icy surface. mark distance.. Replace the fuse and reattempt the same test and watch as you ROLL past your previous stop point.
"Testing also shows that good snow tires reduce the stopping distance of ABS-equipped vehicles in winter conditions (Transport Canada urges the installation of four snow tires to maintain equal traction on each wheel). Nevertheless, it’s recommended that drivers allow for a longer stopping distance with ABS than for conventional brakes when driving on gravel, sand, ice, snow and mud. This is because the rotating tire will stay on top of these low-traction road surfaces and effectively “float” on the boundary layer. (Conversely, a non-ABS-braked vehicle can lock its tires and create a snowplow effect in front of the tires that helps slow the vehicle. These locked tires can often find more traction below this “boundary layer.”)"
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2005/0...ock-brakes.htm
ABS increases the ability for YOU to maintain vehicle direction / stability.