ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- It’s a memorial that thousands pass each day off Interstate 64, the VDOT Workers Memorial. 

It’s a chilling reality for roadside workers, trusting each day that a driver is paying attention or responsibly driving through their work zone.

Unfortunately, In 2023, work zones claimed 13 lives in Virginia. 

“I’m here to say that I would gladly go the rest of my life without seeing another name etched into this marble,” said Steph C. Brich, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation. 

For National Work Zone Awareness Week the Virginia Department of Transportation held a vigil as a reminder of the 134 VDOT employees who have lost their lives on the job keeping Virginia safe and improved.

“We cannot ignore the critical need to slow down in work zones. These areas are hubs of activity where workers labor tirelessly to improve our infrastructure and keep our roads safe. Yet, all too often drivers fail to heed the posted speed limits. Fortunately, both Maryland and Virginia have passed legislation aimed at work zone safety and we need to continue those efforts,” said Executive Vice President of VDOT Gordon Dixon. 

In July of 2023, Governor Glenn Youngkin expanded Virginia’s Move Over Law to everyone, including work zones. Under the state law, drivers should move over if possible anytime they see blue, red, or amber lights flashing on the side of the road. 

“Over the past five years, Virginia’s seen over 21,000 crashes in work zones, resulting in over 8,500 injuries and 91 deaths,” said Kristin Pettway, interim executive director for DRIVE SMART Virginia.

Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III believes many crashes are avoidable. 

“In recent years, one thing we see more and more has been distracted driving. Our phones are demanding our attention when we should be focusing our attention entirely on navigating the road,” said Miller. 

“As drivers, it’s our responsibility to protect ourselves and others on the roadways. Particularly those who are just trying to do an honest day's work,” said Pettway.

Through this week of awareness, VDOT is hoping to put an end to distracted driving and protect VDOT roadside workers.