A few thoughts enter here.. The laws of physics suggest that in a panic stop situation (All wheels locked) ALL Vehicles should stop in about the same distance (And thus time since there is a single variable formula to figure it out for any given spot of pavement and time). So if it's taking longer to stop when towing.. Perhaps you need to pay attention to the brakes on the trailer.
NOW: as for the short yellows... Many states (I only know Michigan for sure) have a standard of practice,, If you will a "Sign book" (In MI it belongs to the Department of Transportation, I've seen it)
This book describes every sign, every signal, where signs should be posted and so on.. It also says "For this type of intersection the yellow should last x or xx seconds" (Ok I paraphrased) Things that affect time include the width of the cross street, traffic patterns, and speed.
If you ever get tagged at what you feel is a "Short yellow" (By the way it's Amber, just like my Queen Cat), See if you can find the time standards for the state you are in.
Instead of paying a fine
You could end up getting paid.. If it is, in fact short, and you get a good attorney.
One side note: I said I have read the book.. I no longer have access to it however. It was in the shared (With Dept of Transport) office where I worked before retirement.
