Vic pedestrians told to put away phones

A broken back, neck, legs and an amputated thumb are just some of the injuries Bill Hodges sustained when he was hit by a tram 10 years ago.

Now he works with the Transport Accident Commission to warn of the dangers of distraction, such as looking at mobile phones, when walking along the street.

"I was hit by a tram at the St Kilda Junction in 2006," Mr Hodges told reporters on Wednesday.

"I've got no memory of that but I've got a broken back, broken neck, my thumb's been amputated, part of my bowel has been removed and my legs are damaged.

"I walk with crutches now and I'll use them for the rest of my life."

His story comes as new figures reveal nearly 200 pedestrians have been killed on Victorian roads in the past five years.

Victoria Police and TAC want pedestrians to put away their phones when walking on the streets, especially around shopping centres and in the CBD, and in the evening between 6pm and 8pm, when most fatalities occurred.

Inspector for road policing Jason McGregor said Mr Hodges' story is one that people should all listen to.

"There's no penalty for using your phone when you're walking; it's just common sense".