05 without traction control - is it "safe"? - how does the AWD work?

[Carson]

Hi
I just bought an 05 escape. I was looking for one with traction control as I drive a lot on Alberta winter roads but this one was too good of a deal to pass up so I bought it anyways. I checked with Ford and this one is an early 05 that didn't have the traction control yet. It has AWD but can someone tell me how this AWD system works? Is it just a limited slip differential or something more sophisticated? Does it transfer power to the rear wheels quick enough to make a difference in an emergency situation? Was the AWD system updated when the traction control came in? I though I had seen a button is some of the "older" escapes where you could turn the AWD system on manually - this one doesn't have it.

Would a new escape be much "safer"? I know safety is a relative thing - I was driving an old rear wheel drive truck before so what I just bought is light years ahead of that! But if I can go up a couple of steps even further I might feel better about letting my wife haul my kids to hockey in an icy Alberta winter.

Thanks much for your thoughts.