( CNN ) -- A driver 's best bet is to stay home when wintry weather coats the roads in snow and ice , particularly in areas such as the Southeast where motorists and road crews are n't in the habit of dealing with icy conditions . The Georgia Department of Transportation is urging travelers to avoid all but absolutely necessary driving until at least Tuesday as a storm that arrived Sunday night continues to cause treacherous traveling . For those who must go out , it 's important to plan ahead . AAA recommends motorists pack a winter driving kit made up of the following : a bag of abrasive material ( sand , salt or cat litter ) , a snow shovel and brush , traction mats , an ice scraper , booster cables , a flashlight , window washing liquid , cloth , warning flares or triangles , a cell phone , gloves and a blanket . Try to ease your vehicle out of parking spaces without spinning the wheels . Drive back and forth for several feet in either direction to clear a path . Spread sand or salt near the wheels if additional traction is needed . If you do get stuck , you can contact AAA via phone , iPhone app or at AAA.com . De-ice vehicles before driving , urges the Mississippi Department of Transportation . Iced-over vehicles can limit driver visibility , and ice flying off cars can be hazardous to fellow drivers . If you have to drive in conditions with low visibility , go slowly , with your headlights on low beam , AAA advises . Allow at least double the usual following distance between cars . Never use cruise control on a slick surface . Steering around an obstruction is often safer than braking suddenly at speeds above 25 mph on a slippery surface , according to AAA 's pamphlet `` How to Go on Ice and Snow '' ( PDF ) . When you do brake , do n't remove your foot from the brake or pump the pedal if you have antilock brakes , AAA advises . Drivers of cars that do n't have antilock brakes should keep their heel on the floor and apply firm pressure to the brake pedal to the threshold of locking . In case of skidding , steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go , keeping your eyes on your travel path . And do n't slam on the brakes ; you 're likely to make it harder to get back in control .
Georgia officials urging drivers to avoid travel until at least Tuesday . If you have to go out on icy roads , AAA recommends essential winter driving tools . TL;DR A blizzard is expected in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states this weekend.