Various elements including environmental, public safety, economic, and security concerns define the evaluation of threats connected with the movement of dangerous materials. It is imperative to undertake a comprehensive investigation to address the multifaceted problem of risk assessment concerning the road transportation of dangerous materials. The primary aim of this study is to present a framework for threat assessment in this domain. To achieve this objective, an integrated approach involving stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) with the multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) approach under the Z-number theory is introduced. Preliminary investigations and expert opinions are taken into consideration, and 17 risks are identified for developing the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) technique for rural roads located in Cosenza, a region in southern Italy. A qualified analysis is conducted between the outcomes of the FMEA approach implemented by Z-SWARA-MABAC and those of the conventional FMEA method. This investigation is undertaken to achieve sustainable mobility goals by evaluating the risks and enhancing the safety of the transportation of dangerous substances via roadways. Therefore, it is essential to re-evaluate the laws and measures required to mitigate hazards on the regional road network of southern Italy
