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Growing up in Cornwall, I remember that even the tiniest fishing harbours had warning signs about rabies at various points. My awareness was limited to the fact that the UK was rabies-free so we did not have to worry about it. Latvia is not rabies free and we currently have rabies in the area around our house. My immediate thought was that it was one of those disease that there are lots of warnings about, but little real risk. However, after a few local dogs had been put down, and our neighbours had scared away a rabid jenotsuns (raccoon dog) which was heading towards their livestock, I did ask our doctor about it. This is a seriously nasty disease, and I am starting to understand why the British government has gone to such lengths to keep it out of the UK. Our biggest risk is not actually being bitten by a rabid animal - if that happens there is a course of (unpleasant but life-saving) treatment which must be started immediately. The biggest risk is from one of the friendly local dogs biting or licking us over an open wound during the incubation period - before the dog starts showing symptoms. If we did not know the animal had rabies, the chances of survival for a human already displaying the symptoms are slim. Our closest neighbours are having their dog vaccinated and I am sure that others will follow suit, but we will be keeping away from all warm blooded animals for the next few weeks.
Endnote: I do not know the etymology of the English name, but in Latvian Rabies is trakumsarga, which could be translated as the plague of madness. A very apt name for the symptoms.