With different rules and laws from one country to the next, it can be quite tempting to quickly convert to these more laid back regulations and enjoy the sense of rebelling against what we perceive to be arbitrary and strict guidelines in the UK. Whilst we can all understand this mentality, it does not make it wise or right.
When you are looking at car hire and definitely motorbikes in another country, it is vitally important that you take your knowledge of UK driving safety and laws with you. Do not be tempted to refrain from wearing that seat belt of safety helmet just because this is not strictly enforced in the country you have travelled to.
Each and every year, one of the highest causes of death for Brits abroad, is through people who have neglected safety precautions in the countries they have travelled to, which would have been obligatory in the UK.
We need to take a look at the type of countries that have failed to entrench such laws into their own societies. It is not advisable to view these nations as cool and more laid-back, far from it! In actual fact, it is likely that such a country is far less developed and civilised than back in the UK; a country where life is still cheap and where the relevant Government simply could not care less about protecting the health and safety of its citizens.
Alas, there are far too many countries that would fall within this abhorrent classification. You must embrace and be proud of the fact that you have grown-up in a country that is vastly more civilised than this and never fail to implement what you have learnt. Life may be cheap to these foreigners, but we value our lives and will not jeopardise ourselves in the same ways.