Here: "I better not take the car, fuck loosing my license for 3 years"
America: "Ah Ill be ok, its only a few blocks, even if I get caught its just a fine, maybe a couple of month with a suspended license"
That's oversimplifying the matter. Truth is, we are super scared here of getting a DUI, especially the mid to lower class people, ie. most people.
1. The fines range in the thousands. That's a lot of money. If you want to fight the DUI with a competent lawyer, the lawyer fees will range in the thousands.
2. When you get a DUI, you're arrested and booked into jail. If that's a Friday night, you're most likely getting out Monday. SO, that's spending some time in jail.
3. The DUI goes on your record. Many companies, ones that don't even require you to drive on the job, will not hire you if you have a DUI on your record.
4. If you have a DUI and admit to it, Canada will most likely forbid you from entering its country.
5. If you have a DUI, it's tougher to rent an apartment, secure a loan, etc.
6. If you work in law enforcement, ie. Customs, you will most likely lose your job if you're convicted of a DUI.
A DUI can make your life miserable in the States unless you're rich.
Also, people here get a lot of DUIs, not because of lax laws, but because of terrible alternatives. Our public transportation system is a fucking joke. A disaster. It's better in some cities like Chicago and NY, but in Seattle, you're fucked if you're going out on the weekend and don't have enough money to live downtown.