Alarming road statistic ahead of schoolies

Nearly 40 per cent of Queensland teenagers admit to getting into cars with drivers they believe are over the legal alcohol limit, new research shows.

The RACQ says the statistic is especially worrying for parents given schoolies begins on the Gold Coast this weekend.

"This should be a wake-up call to parents to ensure they've spoken with their kids about how to get home safely from schoolies parties," RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said.

An alarming 77 per cent of students also said they had been a passenger in a car when they felt their life was at risk.

The data was compiled as part of the motoring body's road safety education program.