Pedestrians cross in front of trams on Swanston Street last year. Credit:Joe Armao

Nearly one-third of Victorians engage in risky behaviour on our roads, with an alarming number of pedestrians taking shortcuts across tram tracks or walking through rail crossings while on the phone, new research shows.

Pedestrians are expected to be fully alert while walking through level crossings, but a new study by Public Transport Victoria finds they are doing this while using their mobile phones or wearing headphones. And a large number cross in front or behind trams in prohibited areas.

It's due to something called the "licensing effect" - a view that behaviour is acceptable that is formed by watching many others do it.