Steve was so happy when Eddie came along and there was someone else he could trust with the kids. And Eddie thinks he basically tricked Steve into thinking he’s a safe and responsible adult for the kids
Steve only starts questioning it when they bump into each other at some little local drive thru restaurant (think checkers/rally's) parking lot. Steve leans in to playfully chat with Eddie as he's eating his lunch in the van,and sees that Eddie has a freaking bungee cord strapped to the passenger seat of his van instead of a seat belt. Steve's fuming about Dustin's safety, his onion rings flying as he gestures angrily and Eddie is rolling his eyes and chewing his chili cheese dog. He swallows, and burps, sucks chili off his thumb and says “Stevie boy that seat belt was gone wayyy before I ever got the van, and I make him wear a helmet too anyway, so CHILL!” And it's under the threat of Steve telling Dustin's mother about the lack of seat belt that has them driving out together to go find a replacement.
Dustin loved that bungee cord honestly he’s so disappointed!
@augustjustice Oh yeah the second he realizes Eddie’s seatbelt doesn’t work he wants to pay for it. But Eddie argues with him because he hates the idea of Steve having to help him pay for anything and it’s really not a big deal because it’s not like anyone else drives the van!

















