The tread design of a radial pneumatic tire for ground vehicles is characterized by lateral or transverse grooves on the shoulder ribs having an incline from the normal to the contact surface in one direction and the lateral or transverse grooves in the center of the tread width being inclined in the reverse direction. Improved wear rates with uniform wear is obtained on a drive axle with proper tire rotation. A reversed direction of rotation on the non-drive axle results in more even wear with potentially less vibration and noise.Lateral grooves are inclined form approximately 20 to 30 degrees and leading edges of some tread blocks have acute angles while other tread blocks have trailing edges with acute angles. The resultant distribution of longitudinal tangential stress on tread blocks is improved.