Winter storm have you worried about road conditions? Quick tips for driving in the snow.

As the Mid-Atlantic digs out from a days-old snow storm, another weather front is forming that will blanket states with heavy snowfall from Texas to the East Coast this week.

Stay home if you can. But if you must drive, do it with extreme caution. Driving in severe weather can be both terrifying and dangerous, especially when you’re dealing with snow, sleet and ice on roads. 

Slick roads cause more than 150,000 car crashes per year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. With 70% of U.S. roads in snowy areas, millions of people are at risk of accidents.

How to prepare yourself and your car for winter roads:

Winter driving precautions

Slick roads drastically reduce the stopping power of your vehicle, even if you have 4-wheel drive. To help avoid a collision, give yourself triple the stopping distance, experts say.

If you can't avoid driving your vehicle when road conditions deteriorate due to ice or snow, follow these tips to hopefully avoid collisions or winding up in a ditch.

• If you get stuck and can't dig out, stay with the vehicle and don't walk outside in severe weather. 
• Keep a dome light on because it uses a small amount of electricity.
• Attach a brightly colored cloth to the car window. 
• Conserve gas by turning the engine on periodically to warm the car. 
• Make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow.

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Skid control: How recover from a skid when driving on slippery roads

If your vehicle begins to skid, steer it in the desired direction. Do not pump or slam the brake pedal.

CONTRIBUTING John Tufts/ Indianapolis Star and George Petra/Paste BN