An outdated item that few people use is credited with saving the lives of a couple who were forced to abandon an out-of-control electric vehicle that crashed into them as they walked down the street.

A relic from a bygone era may have saved the lives of two pedestrians after an electric vehicle lost control and nearly hit them in Milwaukee.

Shocking footage from Saturday shows the moment a dark SUV veers into the path of a speeding white car, causing it to roll into two people on the sidewalk.

It appears the car hit an old payphone stand, moving it to the right just enough to prevent the couple from suffering tragedy.

In the video, the pedestrian is seen getting up and running to the back of the car to help the man on the ground.

Meanwhile, several passengers are seen exiting through the rear window of the white car.

Witnesses said WISN The couple only suffered a few scratches after the accident.

The man was reportedly having difficulty breathing and the woman said she had a shoulder injury.

Both were sitting on the road crying after the accident, according to a witness.

Police said four people were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the car was ticketed for reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and driving without insurance.

Residents in the area told local media they would like to see a stop sign added at the intersection where the accident occurred.